Life Long Connections Coordinator

Life Long Connections Coordinator

Position: Life Long Connections Coordinator 

Status: Regular Full-time Term (18 months)

Department: Guardianship

Location: 3284 East Broadway

Classification: Delegated Social Worker (Grid 21-24) +1 Temporary Market Adjustment (TMA)

Salary: $ 69,760.70 to $ 89,268.45 annually 

• Use your child welfare expertise to make a lasting difference in Vancouver's Aboriginal community!

• Receive a competitive salary of $ 69,760.70 to $ 89,268.45 PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!

• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

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 honour 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.

The VACFSS Guardianship program is responsible for the care and well-being of Indigenous children under a Continuing Custody Order. Our approach is situated in a model of the child in the center of their circle of support, surrounded by family and community. The Guardianship program focuses on developing holistic care plans with an emphasis on connection to family, culture and community.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Reporting to the Guardianship Manager, the Life Long Connections Coordinator supports a strong connection for children in care to their home communities, their culture and their relations. The role assists with the opportunity for children to touch the land of their ancestry and facilitates strong connections with Nations for homecomings, cultural connections and cultural plans. The position also invites Nations into planning for the child, with an emphasis on Permanency. The Life long Connections Coordinator is responsible for the Out of Province caseload, developing and overseeing interprovincial agreements, and working in collaboration with Social Workers of the receiving provinces that execute case plans. In addition, at times, may hold a caseload specific to developing permanency plans in community and/or interprovincial planning. The position holds expertise in the application process for Indian Status for children in care and oversees the list of status registration to ensure children entitled attain their registration as well as maintains the program’s band list and co-ordinates applications to Jordon’s Principle.

FUNCTIONS:. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An in-depth knowledge of various First Nations and cultural groups in Canada as well as protocols associated with accessing community contacts and Elders. 

• A good knowledge of First Nations service structures including Band Administration, Band Social Worker functions, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies and cultural resources in the community. 

• The ability to work with VACFSS Staff, Elders and Knowledge Keepers and a practical ability to participate in Indigenous ceremony.

• The knowledge and understanding of Restorative Indigenous Welfare practices and the ability to reframe colonial practice into this model. 

• A comprehensive understanding of the Children Family Community Services Act (CFCSA) and related legislation including the Federal Act, “An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and VACFSS program policies and their interconnectivity in practice. 

• The ability to develop genograms and cultural plans of care. 

• The skill to utilize the Integrated Case Management (ICM) and the Management Information System (MIS) and other data basis and complete comprehensive file reviews.

Key Competencies:

• Relational Engagement

• Leadership

• Collaborative Planning and Decision Making

• Emotional Competency

• Resilience

• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Masters degree in a related human services field; or

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); or

• Bachelor of Arts degree or a degree in a related human services field plus three years of related experience in child and family services.

• Three years of experience in:

o A delegated position in Delegated Aboriginal Agency; or

o A Band Social Worker or equivalent role; or

o A similar Social Worker position in a child and family services organization working with Indigenous children and families;

o An combination of experiences above would be considered 

• Delegation training up to C4 Level (to be provided).

• Direct experience in various cultural practices and familiarity with First Nations protocols with regard to community and elder engagement.

• Training in Mediation and facilitation of sharing circles within a traditional Aboriginal context.

Note:

• This position requires Union membership.

• Applications will be accepted from applicants of all genders.

• A valid Class 5 driver’s license, a clear driver's abstract and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position. The driver's abstract will be requested as part of the referencing process. A clean record that does not exhibit serious offences will be required.

• This position requires Interprovincial travel as well as travel within Canada.  

ABOUT THE BENEFITS:

In exchange for your contributions, you will receive a competitive salary benefits package, including:

• Medical, extended health, and dental

• Group life

• 100% employer-paid premiums

• 3 weeks of vacation

• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program after passing probation

• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan