Child and Youth Engagement Lead

Position: Child and Youth Engagement Lead 

Status: Permanent Full-time

Department: Guardianship

Location: 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Classification: Supervisor – Delegated Programs Grid 30

Salary: $3,480.24 - $3,974.24 bi-weekly  

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honored 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.

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver's Indigenous community!
• Receive a competitive salary of $90,797.03 to $103,685.14 annually PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Integrated Practice & Operations, the Child and Youth Engagement Lead coordinates youth engagement strategies and practices across all VACFSS Programs, including the Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) Program, Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), CIRCLE, and Supporting Indigenous Brothers and Sisters (SIBS) Program.

This position supervises: contract workers of youth programs, summer student/co-op student, and shared supervision of Cultural Support Associate. May have oversight of additional contract workers or team members based on growth of Agency’s child and youth engagement initiatives.

The Child and Youth Engagement Lead engages directly and meaningfully with youth, leading VACFSS’ participation in community-based youth engagement initiatives, and developing and coordinating engagement strategies and culturally grounded programs for children and youth ages 6-18.

The CRUW Program includes three streams of youth involvement: UBC Farm Program, Life Skills and Leadership Program, and Youth Mentor Committee. 

• Responsible for overseeing, developing and coordinating comprehensive child and youth engagement strategy that is grounded in Indigenous culture and protocol.
• Responsible for the development of strong Indigenous identities and leadership /life skills for Indigenous children and youth in care or with child welfare involvement.
• Engages directly and meaningfully with children and youth in all programs.
• Develop, document, implement and adapt program content to address the diverse needs children and youth in care while aligning with VACFSS’ Restorative Practice approach.
• Maintains and develops positive relationships with relevant community partners such as Elders, Knowledge Keepers in relation to Indigenous child and youth engagement and participation in community-based initiatives.
• Oversees contract workers involved in delivering youth programs, ensuring they follow VACFSS policies, culturally grounded practices and program goals.
• Provides budgetary input and recommendations to the Director for youth engagement activities.
• Additional responsibilities include writing grant applications, preparing reports for funders, and organizing youth events.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or;
• Bachelor of Child and Youth Care or;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered such as a BA in a related human services field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in youth engagement, preferably working with Indigenous children and youth demonstrating progressive responsibility is required.
• C4 delegation (to be provided)

Key Competencies:

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

Note:

• Programs are held at different times throughout the year. Some evening, weekend and holiday work will be required
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.
• This position requires Union membership.
• Applications will be accepted from applicants of all staff.

ABOUT THE BENEFITS:

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

• Medical, extended health, and dental
• Group life
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS’ Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor, Elder
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted from candidates with the above qualifications or from candidates that have delegated experience with MCFD or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency. An eligibility list may be created. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted. 

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