Director of Integrated Practice & Operations

Position: Director of Integrated Practice & Operations (Child Safety, Family Preservation & Reunification) 

Department: Infrastructure

Salary: $135,000 per year

Status: Permanent full time; Excluded

Posted Date: June 25, 2024; Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 2020 Yukon Street or 745 Clark Drive, Vancouver BC

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honoured, and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination, and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honor the inherent wisdom, capacity, and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

• Join an Agency that strives to provide services to strengthen Indigenous families culturally and spiritually!
• Receive a competitive salary of $135,000 per year PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

VACFSS is committed to providing Restorative Child Welfare Services to Indigenous families residing in Vancouver.  Reporting to the CEO of VACFSS, the Director of Integrated Practice and Operations is responsible for leading, directing and providing oversight of the Child Safety and Family Preservation programs. Duties include: strategic planning and risk mitigation informed by policy shifts, evolving practice requirements, staffing and resource management. The Director will continuously assess and respond to service needs and resource requirements of those served.  Develops protocols as required for access to MCFD service lines, implements ongoing amendments arising from MCFD/VACFSS policy change, and maintains the operational and practice directives including community and access to cultural supports.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Integrated Practice and Operations is accountable for ensuring operational support and supervision to Program, Practice and Operations Manager in the delivery of programs and services. The role is responsible for identifying risks and strategic opportunities within the framework approved by the CEO and Board of Directors. The Director ensures accountability to the Delegation Confirmation Agreement requirements and all agency policies.  

In consultation and collaboration with management is responsible for policy development, training, orientation, communication, and change management. Conducting reviews to ensure compliance to practice audit requirements, performance management, Indigenous Core Cultural Competencies, client complaint requirements, accountability to community under an Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families and Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA).  Director may make agreements respecting Indigenous children, and service delivery. 

As a member of the Executive Committee, meets monthly with the leaders of other departments to review and address cross program and operational matters including strategic planning collaboration, risk mitigation, labour relations. 

The position may act for the CEO including interfacing with the Board of Directors, the Director of Child and Family Services, Indigenous Child and Family Directors’ Forum, responding to media, representation in formal agreements when requested or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:  

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of the day-to-day running of programs in a Delegated Child and Family Service agency serving a large urban Indigenous population. 
• Exhibits good working knowledge of federal, provincial legislation, and municipal statutes as they relate to child and family services.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of all programs provided at VACFSS including Resources, Guardianship, and Child Protection. Develops a practical working knowledge of Contract Management in relation to the programs.
• Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage relationships within VACFSS, the Board of Directors, MCFD, other groups, agencies, or organizations. 
• Recognizes who the key decision-makers are and predicts how new events or situations will affect all stakeholders. 
• Operates effectively within VACFSS’, MCFD’s or other organizations’ informal structure.
• Demonstrates expert understanding of strategic financial planning as it relates to VACFSS and MCFD. Directs the preparation of budgets for the programs that are within the guidelines established by the Ministry, the Board and VACFSS.

A complete job description for the position will be provided at the time of the interview.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Relational Engagement
• Leadership • Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
• Emotional Competency • Resilience
• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters of Social Work or Master's Degree in related field or Masters of Business Administration or a combination of BSW and a related Post Graduate Degree.
• An acceptable combination of undergraduate education, training and/or experience may be considered.   
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of Delegated Child Welfare working with Indigenous clients and communities including 8 years of supervisory experience.

Other Requirements: 

• Leadership and management training is required.
• Proficient in computer applications (MS Office) and standard office equipment to generate, access, and disseminate information.
• A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence and access to a safe, reliable vehicle.
• C6 Delegation.
• Will be required to work evenings and weekends
• Must be willing to travel periodically

BENEFITS: 

• Extended health and dental
• Group life and AD&D
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• 4 weeks of vacation 
• Public Service Pension Plan • Access to VACFSS’ Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor, Elder
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

APPLICATION PROCESS:

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. 

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.