Job Summary:
A family support worker is responsible for offering practical help and emotional support to families, children or community members experiencing difficulties or crises. They collaborate closely with these individuals to identify their needs, create action plans, and connect them with appropriate resources. The role involves advocating for families, children, and community members within the social service systems, conducting home visits to assess living conditions, and providing guidance when necessary.
Family support workers often work in collaboration with other professionals, such as social workers, healthcare providers, and educators, to ensure comprehensive support for families, children and other community members. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are essential in this role to foster positive relationships and empower families and individuals to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement crisis intervention techniques to assist individuals in challenging situations.
- Advocate for families and individuals working with Social Workers or other agencies to ensure they have the support needed to navigate the situation.
- Manage conflicts effectively and de-escalate tense situations.
- Work closely with child protective services and child welfare agencies to support families and individuals in crisis.
- Provide behavioral health support to individuals, especially children and families in crisis.
- Handle crisis management situations with empathy, composure, and efficiency.
- Prepares clients for court by explaining the purpose, ensuring the client has access to legal counsel, informing the clients of other witnesses and explaining expected court behavior and appearance.
- Develops Life Plans to reunite the child with the family or place the child into a family setting.
- Develop cultural plans.
- Authorizes expenditures for support services to families.
- Provides services to the family such as assistance with parenting skills, drugs, alcohol treatment and referrals.
- Other duties as required.
Job Requirements
- Bachelors in Social Work or Child and Youth Care or a related field
- Child Welfare Specialization, having worked in child welfare and/or at an Aboriginal agency for two recent (2) years within the last 5 years.
- MCFD Knowledge & appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and how these impact the development of individuals and communities
- Practical knowledge of Provincial Aboriginal Operational Practice Standards and Indicators
- May be required to work evenings/weekends.
- Required to use own vehicle. Valid Class 5 Driver’s License, Driver’s Abstract and a reliable and safe vehicle.
- Successful completion of security screening requirements of Cheam First Nation, which includes a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, police record checks, enhanced security screening and degree verification. Satisfactory proof of legal authorization to work in Canada.
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and socio-economic issues affecting urban indigenous families.
- Excellent oral, written, facilitation, interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively with agency staff, volunteers and professionals from community agencies and partner organizations.
Who we are.
The Cheam First Nation is a member of the Sto:lo Tribal Council. Our band is located in the Fraser Valley near the town of Chilliwack and approximately 100 kilometres east of Vancouver.
The Cheam people traditionally speak the Upriver dialect of Halkomelem, which is one of the Salishan family of languages.
Cheam First Nation has 580 registered members living on and off reserve. The Band is governed by a Chief and five Councillors, all of whom are elected by band members for a two-year term.
Why work for us
Working for a First Nation community is a deeply rewarding and impactful experience for several reasons some of which include:
- Cultural Enrichment– working for a Nation offers a unique opportunity to learn about and immerse oneself in rich cultural traditions, languages, and practices. This cultural exchange can be both educational and transformative.
- Community Impact– Most role within our nation addresses local needs and drive positive impactful change. This could involve working on projects related to health, education, economic development, or environmental stewardship, providing a chance to make a meaningful difference within the community.
- Advancing Reconciliation– Working within a Nation is a way to contribute to broader efforts of reconciliation and justice, helping to address historical and ongoing inequalities, advocating, and supporting the empowerment of Indigenous peoples.
- Personal Growth– Working in a Nation can be a powerful way to develop personal skills and perspectives. The experience often requires adaptability, resilience, and cultural sensitivity, which can enhance one’s professional and personal growth.
- Competitive Starting Wage- We offer a competitive starting wage based on education, skills, and experience.
- Benefits Coverage- Our benefit package consists of extended health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, an employee assistance program, a 5.5% RPP match and much more.
- Company and Community Events- We host a wide range of company and community events throughout the year and encourage employees to participate in such events.
- Holiday Closure- All employees receive paid time off during the holiday in addition to their vacation and statutory holiday entitlement.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role to [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Cheam. We appreciate the time and effort you have taken to apply for the Family Support Worker role. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your qualifications.
