Family And Community Support Worker

Are we the Community you want to live and work in?

The Yekooche traditional territory is located about 85 km northwest of Fort St James British Columbia. It comprises 4 reserves on a total of roughly 180 hectares. Most of our band members live in Reserve #3 (Yekooche) located along the northwest arm of Stuart Lake, where Nan’cut Creek drains Cunningham Lake into Stuart Lake.

Do you love the outdoors? Our territory abounds with opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and living off the land. We share this land with several species of animals, many varieties of berries, as well as herbs and medicines. Ample opportunities to explore the territory by snowmobile, ATV, snow shoes, kayak, and even sled from time to time. The perks of being semi-isolated: pure water, clean air, peace and quiet, bright stars, all four seasons, and the opportunity to live and learn on this land with the Dak’elh people who have thrived here since time immemorial

The people of Yekooche value their land, language, culture and history. You will be welcomed into the community where you will discover the peoples’ strong sense of tradition – as well as their sense of humour: teasing means we like you! If hunting isn’t your thing, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in story-telling, singing, dancing, and drumming.

• We have approx. 250 members, and about half live in Yekooche.
• Yekooche is a 1.25 hour drive on a logging road from Fort St. James and about 3 hours from Prince George.

Are You the Family and Community Support Worker We’re Looking For?

The Family and Community Support Worker (FCSW) will be expected to provide support to our YFN community members in developing action plans, assessing them and creating awareness of our current social services programs for them. This entails providing and maintaining a safe, supportive atmosphere for all the community children, youth, adults and elders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess community members’ skills, discuss their options and develop action plans in terms of education, job and family relationships improvement opportunities.
• Assess their progress, give support and discuss their difficulties
• See if our YFN parents and elders qualify for social benefits and offer information about social assistance and pensions
• Create awareness and initiative for our community members to actively participate in social programs
• Refer them to other social services or government programs of BC or Canada programs
• Provide informal counselling and support in areas such as, life transitions, grief and loss
• Provide informal counselling to individuals, couples and families
• Support YFN members to get their first nation memberships
• Help community members into different matters such as supporting them in filling tax incomes and resume’s creation.
• Develop events to boost the community relationship
• Other duties as required

Qualifications:

Education and certifications:

• Proof of Secondary School graduation or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or college studies in social work field (preferred)
• Indian Registration Administrator certificate (preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year working in indigenous communities as social worker or Community Support Worker.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of social services and government programs specifically for indigenous people.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, PHIPA and other relevant legislation
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, practices and have good understanding and appreciation of the impact of our history related to colonization and outcomes from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission including its Calls to Action
• High empathy, compassion, and relationship building skills
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Active listening skills
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Skills and experience working with diverse populations
• Must be willing to live on site of the YFN community
• Ability to work independently but also a team player willing to collaborate and engage with other professionals and Community leaders.
• Strong desire to help children, youth, elders and families thrive and overcome challenges

Conditions of Employment:

• Obtain, as per job requirement, and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).
• Obtain and maintain positive evaluations and assessments and to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of their position as set out in their job description and employment agreement.
• Must have a valid bank account and Social Insurance Number
• Must be allowed to work in Canada.
• Must hold a valid BC Driver’s License
• Must have a first aid/CPR active certificate.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $45,500.00-$54,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• This opportunity requires on-site presence. Are you currently situated in the Yekooche land reserve, or are you open to relocating?

Education:

• DCS / DEC (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-15