Child Safety - Summer Student

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.

We have exciting opportunities for three Summer Students to be placed at our Child Safety Office. The Summer Student Placement Program works to develop skills and knowledge of students that have interests in Indigenous child welfare. Students will have the opportunity to gain exposure and develop practical professional level skills toward working in the social services sector and will provide exposure to Restorative Child Welfare practices working with Indigenous families and Communities. Upon completing the term, students will have increased knowledge of VACFSS’ Restorative policies and practices pertaining to child welfare, provincial and federal legislation including the CFCSA and Bill C92 An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families as well as administrative skills. The placement will also offer an opportunity to students regarding educational and professional pathways including future summer student terms with VACFSS, practicum opportunities and/or employment opportunities for qualified candidates.

How it Works:

The Summer Student Program seeks eligible students that would like to gain work experience in Indigenous Child Welfare. We will provide supportive, educational, and meaningful work placements for students during the summer months (April to September). It provides professional experience, leadership development and to build a cultural and professional network.

Job Overview:

The Summer student will work for approximately 4 - 5 months in the Child Safety Program engaged in any of the following:

• Helps Social Workers, Team Leaders, Administrative staff, and Office Managers.
• Transportation assistance to children, youth, or families.
• Engaging with children or youth in care, parents, or care givers.
• Assisting in information gathering or sharing.
• Assisting in research, data gathering for analysis.
• Coordinate non-delegated administrative tasks.
• Assist with events coordination.
• Assisting in workshop facilitation or logistics.

A complete position profile will be provided to candidates at the time of interview.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a BSW or BCYC degree program from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Completed 2 years post-secondary education or equivalent and registered for fall semester of 2025.
• Residing in Vancouver or Metro Vancouver for the summer of 2025.
• Demonstrated helping experience through work, community, volunteer, or lived experiences, for example but not limited to:
  • Volunteering for not-for-profit organizations.
  • Providing direct care for infants, toddlers, and school aged children.
  • Active member in a cultural, community and/or University clubs & committees.
  • Organizing and participating in community events.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a clear driver’s abstract are required for 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.

Key Competencies:

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

Note:

• This position requires Union membership.
• Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
• This position is required to work in the office full-time for the employment term.
• A vehicle is not required for the summer position; however, may be required to obtain permanent employment. 

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