Address
Form of work- Have a positive impact on the lives of Indigenous children and their families
- Receive a competitive starting wage of $28.32/hour, with a wide host of benefits in an inclusive environment
- Join a holistic workplace with a rewarding career in the social service sector
Founded in 2011, the Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS) is an Indigenous organization providing services and programs for our communities in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, to acknowledge our past, present, and future generations.
Our services are designed to answer the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and promote a sense of belonging and the space to connect and celebrate. Through our Family Strengthening, Support and Healing Circles, Indigenous Early Years, and Housing Outreach programs, we foster an environment where communities of self-determined Indigenous peoples can live collaboratively.
For more information, please visit our website.
About the OpportunityFRIS currently has an opportunity for a Family Strengthening Worker to join our team on a full-time basis (35 hours, Monday-Friday with occasional evenings or weekends), in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, BC.
As a Family Strengthening Worker, you use intensive intervention strategies to support parents/caregivers to care for their children. The work involves hands-on support, engaging in community services, and active communication with involved MCFD or delegated agencies as needed.
You will be primarily responsible for making program decisions aligned with contractual obligations working from a Strength-based approach providing families connection to cultural and spiritual expression of self-determination.
Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with the family, MCFD social workers, and outside agencies to develop individual Family Support Plans and supports as requested by the family.
- Co-creating and implementing strategies for families to achieve goals outlined in the Family Support Plan/Safety Plan
- Conducting supportive needs assessments for individuals or families referred to the program
- Enhancing parenting and life skills during home or community visits, while promoting connections to Indigenous heritage
- Managing program budget and reconciling petty cash in alignment with clients' needs and funders' guidelines
- Modeling appropriate behaviour in the community and with families
- Ensuring families understand the program structure, organization, and their rights to participate
- Meeting with families regularly, as agreed upon with the Family Development Programs Manager
- Attending critical meetings for families, such as ICM, Intakes, and Foundations meetings
- Relaying pertinent case management information to the FRIS Family Development Programs Manager through clinical supervision
- Facilitating supported access visits for families upon request
- Making referrals for other identified services
- Staying current with legislated changes to the Child, Family, and Community Service Act and relevant laws
- Advocating for families to ensure their voices are considered in decision-making processes and in accessing resources
To qualify, you will have a Bachelor's Degree in human services, social work, or a related field focused on understanding the needs of vulnerable populations especially those experiencing mental health, substance use, and institutionalized rehabilitation . Additionally, you should have a minimum of 2 years' recent experience working in family, child, and youth services or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
The following are required for the role:
- A minimum of one-year experience with reporting requirements both narrative and statistical (i.e. MCFD contracts, court orders and agency management)
- A valid Class 5 BC driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, access to a reliable vehicle, with Business Use and 3 million liability insurance
- A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- A Standard First Aid w/CPR/AED Level C
The successful candidate will also possess the following:
- Experience working with Indigenous peoples (First Nation Communities, Métis, and Inuit)
- Demonstrated understanding of the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples of Canada, both historical and current
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, Signs of Safety, motivational interviewing techniques, and relapse prevention
- Ability to work under pressure, respond appropriately to crisis situations, and build trusting relationships with individuals and families
- Demonstrated ability to coach life skills to parents and caregivers without judgment
- Recent experience providing services in family homes and community settings utilizing an outreach model
- Proven knowledge of local community resources
- Physical ability required to carry a child in a car seat
- Strong computer skills (e.g. Office 365, MS Office suite, CAMS)
- Experience supporting court-involved families (accompaniments, record submissions)
This role is best suited to an adaptable, energetic, ethical problem solver who is truly passionate about culture-centered Family Strengthening and is focused on supporting individuals and their support circles fostering long-lasting relationships within the community.
Above all, your emotional intelligence and diplomatic, empathetic approach, combined with transparent communication, will foster positive decision-making, propelling both the organization toward delivering impactful services.
Strong preference is given to candidates identifying as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). We are striving to build a diverse team that has lived experience with Indigenous communities.
This position requires union membership.
About the BenefitsThe successful candidate will be awarded an attractive wage starting at $28.32/hour, as well as the following benefits:
- Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
- Pension plan
- 3 weeks vacation to start
- Sick pay as per collective agreement
- Training & Development in the field
- Be the catalyst of change in delivering programs that provide long-term support to families and communities
If your passion resonates with our mission in building stronger connections within the communities we serve, don't miss out on this truly rewarding opportunity to make a difference - apply today!
