Indigenous Supported Child Development Consultant

• Have a positive impact on the lives of Indigenous children and their families
• Receive a competitive starting wage of $37.55/hour, with a wide host of benefits in an inclusive environment
• Join a holistic workplace with a rewarding career in the social service sector

About the Organization

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 Opportunity

FRIS currently has an opportunity for an Indigenous Supported Child Development Consultantto 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 an Indigenous Supported Child Development Consultant, you will perform outreach visits to provide developmental and resource information, assessments, referrals, and support for Indigenous families and childcare providers to ensure the full participation of Indigenous children. This role is a combination of the Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) and Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) and supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families/caregivers with children from birth up to 19 years and pre-natal.

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting traditional Indigenous cultural teachings and practices for our families, agency, and community
• Building professional supportive relationships with the parents/caregivers and the child’s support circle referred to the program
• Managing a caseload average of 30 participants with home, childcare centre, and school visits
• Home visits are required as part of building strong connections with the child and caregivers and completion of a support guide.
• Facilitating the development, implementation, and monitoring of individual support plans for children, their families, and childcare providers
• Collaborating with families and childcare providers to promote development and ensure the inclusion of children who require extra support
• Administering developmental screening and assessments (ASQ, etc.) and writing reports and recommendations
• Liaising with other health and social service professionals who work with Indigenous families
• Making appropriate referrals for further assessment and or support or counselling to other agencies or professionals
• Facilitating parent education sessions incorporated with the Seven Sacred Teachings and Medicine Wheel Teachings
• Using cultural traditional practices that focus on the mind, emotional, physical, and spiritual, and recognize family strengths and assets
• Contributing and participating in Health & Education Fairs, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, and other events and initiatives

About You

To qualify, you will have a Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certification, including Infant Toddler/Supported Child Development Certification, a licence to practice as well as a minimum of 2 years of experience working in ECE.

You must also have a valid Class 5 BC driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle, and the ability to obtain a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

The successful candidate will also possess the following:

• Valid First Aid certificate with Infant CPR (or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment)
• Working knowledge of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and assessment tools (ASQ, etc.)
• Experience in Infant and Supported Child Development (IDP & SCD) or related ECD work, with in-home visitation experience
• Exceptional understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and socio-economic issues affecting urban Indigenous families, including trauma-informed practices
• Direct program delivery experience in the community social service sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of family-centered care, early intervention Child Development, and community-based programs
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities, organizations, and service providers within Ridge Meadows (asset)

This role is best suited to an easily adaptable, ethical problem solver who is truly passionate about culture-centered family development and is focused on supporting children and their families and 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 Benefits

The successful candidate will be awarded an attractive wage starting at $37.55/hour, evaluated on skills, education, and experience, 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