Family Preservation Counsellor

Status : Regular Full-time
Hours of Work : 8:30 – 4:30 Monday to Friday
Program : Family Preservation & Reunification
Location : 745 Clark Drive, Vancouver BC 
Classification : Social Program Officer, Grid 21–Grid 24 (+1 Temporary Market Adjustment) 
Salary : $ 69,760.70 to $ 89,268.45 annually which includes a 1 Grid Temporary Market Adjustment 

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 $ 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!

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to a Family Preservation Clinical Supervisor, the Family Preservation Counsellor (FPC) provides individual family preservation and reunification services as well as associated services to children, youth and families in the family home, community or at VACFSS.

The FPC receives referrals from VACFSS’s Child Safety or Guardianship programs. The FPC will work in partnership with the referring social worker and the child’s immediate and extended family to identify and build on strengths so that risks to child safety and wellbeing can be reduced and/or eliminated. This is enacted through practice by: (1) Gathering the Circle; (2) Listening, Assessing and Finding Solutions; (3) Creating Security, Belonging and Well-being; and (4) Keeping the Circle Strong.

The FPC will provide an intensive array of services over a short term either directly or through referrals to contractors or community partners to assist families in building upon their strengths and enhancing family functioning. The FPC in consultation with their Supervisor will also assist with therapeutic access or visit supervision, support families during court proceedings, and ensure case documentation is maintained accurately, fully and in a timely manner.

The FPC will understand the importance of culture in healing for children, youth and families and will help guide connection to culture or spiritual expression with bands or nations. The FPC will be able to work closely with community, VACFSS’ Family Support Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and others where appropriate to help families participate in culture and ceremony and gain connections to community.

The work of the FPC is guided by the values of belonging, respect, strengths-based practice, integrity, and humility. It is conducted in accordance with practice standards, legislation, and VACFSS’s philosophy of service delivery, in pursuit of a balanced and harmonious Indigenous community.  The FPC will have a good understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) and the Federal Act Bill C92.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: 

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Master’s degree in a related social services field; or
• A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); or
• A Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care; or
• A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a related social services field plus a minimum of 2 years of related experience in child and family services.

Preferred: Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

• A MSW or Master’s degree in a related social services field is preferred.
• At least two (2) years in family therapy and/or crisis intervention, and/or
• At least two (2) years of child care or family support experience.

Key Competencies:

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

Notes:

• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.
• Applications will be accepted from applicants of all genders.
• This position requires Union membership.
• This position requires the incumbent to be available in the office. Remote work is unavailable 

ABOUT THE BENEFITS:

• Extended health and dental
• Group life and AD&D
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• 3 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
• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program after passing probation

 Applications will be accepted from candidates with the above qualifications. 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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