Cultural Support Associate

Position: Cultural Support Associate 

Status: Regular Full-time 

Department: Guardianship Program

Location: 3284 East Broadway 

Classification: Grid 15

Salary: $2,262.06 - $2,558.50 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 $59,015.56 to $66,749.47annually PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Cultural Support Associate is responsible for providing a variety of confidential and administrative support to the Cultural Care Coordinator position, the Child and Youth Engagement Coordinator (CYEC) and the Cultural Committee. This position maintains files (electronic and paper), as well as an inventory of cultural materials, utilizes various computer applications to track and input data, taking minutes, coordinates and books cultural events annually as well as assist with the creating of cultural program materials such as evaluations, brochures and flyers. 

These duties should be performed in an organized, courteous manner and requires working in a team environment. Such other duties and responsibilities may be assigned consistent with qualifications and experience. 

This position functions under the mandate of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Cultural Support Associate is responsible for: 

• Maintains general filling systems related to cultural programs.
• Provides general administrative support such as gathering, monitoring, compiling, inputting and reporting data for participation, and planning purposes.
• Tracks cultural program participation, evaluations and for CYEC.
• Assists with maintaining forms, sets up systems required to track all cultural program activity and reporting requirements.
• Maintains Cultural Program materials and inventory by reviewing, updating, and organizing related program information, items for events and pamphlets.
• Works with our Communications department, assists in creating program materials/ flyers to advertise agency events, or to send out to caregivers/ youth.
• Maintains and coordinates the annual calendar of events, provides adequate notice to participants and schedule tasks that need to be completed with timeframes.
• Coordinates all logistics for cultural committee meetings such as: booking meeting rooms/facilities, set up catering, agenda preparation, taking minutes and distribution for the cultural committee.
• In consultation with their supervisor creates feedback surveys for cultural programs.
• Assists with analyzing client and program satisfaction surveys for participants and communicating the results to their supervisor.
• References VACFSS Finance policy and Knowledge Keeper/Elder policies.
• The position may be responsible for booking travel for Elders and Knowledge Keepers or guests coming into town for presentations.
• Obtains approvals and required signatures for relevant documents and cheque requisitions.
• Reconciles monthly agency visa.
• Assists with all related logistics such as: budget, securing & setting up venue, signed agreements, cheque requisitions, catering, preparing the agenda and presentation materials.
• May be asked to coordinate/participate with Agency Cultural events.
• Assist with administrative duties or projects as assigned by supervisor that are consistent with the education and experience.

A complete position profile will be made available upon request as well as at the time of the interview. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:

• A Diploma in a business or administrative program or social sciences; and
• A combination of education and experience may be considered where an incumbent has experience as a cultural support worker.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years’ of experience in the helping field or office setting.
• Experience working with knowledge keepers.
• Knowledge of cultural protocols. 
• Willing to learn other cultural practices within a diverse Indigenous clientele.
• Proficiency in the use of a computer and applicable office software applications as effective tools to achieve results. 
• Experience in creating brochures/flyers.

Skills and Abilities:

• Understands and acknowledges the child welfare mandate held by VACFSS through its agreement with CFCSA director and protocols with First Nations and other delegated agencies.
• Ability to type 50 wpm
• Demonstrates understanding, knowledge of Indigenous culture and history.
• Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of the historical and ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous People.
• Demonstrates cultural knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities.
• Demonstrates practical knowledge of the cultural care requirements in a child and family service agency serving a large Urban Indigenous population.
• Good knowledge of VACFSS programs, policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain and develop reports regarding program statistics as needed.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates an ability to develop and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with others both within and outside of the organization.
• Willing to learn other cultural practices within a diverse Indigenous clientele.

Key Competencies:

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

Note:

• This position requires Union membership.
• A Class 5 BC Driver's License is required. 
• This position requires the incumbent to be available in the office.
• Applications will only be accepted from qualified Indigenous Candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code and Article 1.5 of the Collective Agreement. 

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 after passing probation
• 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:

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 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. Applications will only be accepted by qualified Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.  

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