Family Wellness and Preservation Specialist

Position Summary

Seabird Island, through our journey to Child Protection Jurisdiction is committed to supporting and empowering our Seabird Island families and children. We are seeking a Family Wellness and Preservation Specialist to join our team and work collaboratively with Seabird Island families to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and cultural connection of their children.

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Families and Wellness, the Family Wellness and Preservation Specialist brings subject matter expertise to guide and support families and staff. This role is essential in informing unique approaches that empower and strengthen families. Family Wellness and Preservation Specialist will be responsible for documenting and developing a case management system to support team
functions, as well as contributing to future vision and planning with jurisdiction.

This is a two-year term position, with the possibility of extension.

Work that matters
Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits.

• Accrued vacation and sick time.

• Pension plan with matching employer contributions.

• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement.

• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.

• Equitable hourly rates.

• Casual dress code.

What you’ll do

Family Support:

• Provide subject matter expertise to guide and support families and staff, supporting the rights and protection of children using a culturally informed approach.

• Provide direct support to Seabird Island families involved in child protection cases, in collaboration with the Child and Family Consultant.

• Assist families in understanding their rights and the child protection process.

• Ensure cultural practices, traditions, and values of Seabird Island families are respected and upheld.

• Conduct home visits and assessments to evaluate family needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.

• Provide crisis intervention and support to families in immediate need.

• Facilitate and inform unique approaches that empower and strengthen families, in direct interactions with families, partners, neighboring communities, and government agencies.

Mentorship:

• Engage in mentorship with the Child and Family Consultant to deepen knowledge and understanding of advocacy services for children, youth, and young adults.

Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the community and local First Nations communities and organizations.

• Facilitate community consultations to gather input and feedback on child protection policies and practices.

• Collaborate with community leaders, Elders, consultants, and other stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate support services.

• Educate child protection team and other service providers on First Nations cultural practices and worldviews.

• Promote cultural competency and anti-racism within the child protection system.

• Develop and deliver training programs on First Nations child-rearing practices and family structures.

Policy and Program Development:

• Inform policy changes that support the rights and well-being of Seabird Island families.

• Participate in the development and implementation of programs addressing the unique needs of Seabird Island families.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of child protection services and programs from a culturally informed perspective.

Documentation & Case Management:

• Develop and maintain a documentation and case management system to support team functions.

• Ensure thorough documentation of all interactions and services provided to families.

• Prepare reports, case notes, and maintain accurate records in compliance with organizational and legal standards.

• Participate in regular case reviews and supervision meetings to ensure effective case management.

Future Planning:

• Contribute to the future vision and planning with jurisdiction to ensure continuous improvement of
  child protection services.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by your Manager, Director, Executive Director/Chief Administrative Officer, or Chief & Council.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree or a Social Sciences degree. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

  • Preference may be given to applicants with the Child Welfare Specialization from an accredited British Columbia university and who have completed their practicum in a child welfare setting

• Registration or eligibility for registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience working within a First Nations community, focusing on social work, child protection, advocacy, or restorative justice.

• Experience working with First Nations communities and understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Strong advocacy skills and experience in child protection, social work, or a related field.

• Knowledge of the child protection system and relevant legislation.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Professional/Technical Capabilities

• Background in and familiarity with clinical health, mental health and substance use related programs and service delivery.

• Capital and facilities development coordination.

• Working knowledge of change and project management principles coupled with a strong understanding of the healthcare system and the clinical program that is being supported.

• Knowledge of other health care disciplines, agencies, ministers and their role in health care.

• Ability to motivate and influence leaders, clinical teams, and staff at all levels to embrace and take action on transformation initiatives.

• Diplomatic negotiation and interpersonal skills and ability to influence without formal authority.

• Ability to provide leadership to a variety of project teams in an environment in which issues are constantly surfacing and priorities fluctuate routinely as new initiatives enter portfolio.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams.

• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.

• Ability to operate a standard PC and effectively utilize a variety of Microsoft Office software applications to support the initiative management activities.

Indigenous Cultural Safety and Diversity

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, child protection system and relevant legislation.

• High level of emotional intelligence and empathy.

• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to handle high-stress situations and provide crisis intervention.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and case management.

• Previous experience in supervisory roles is highly desirable.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage with and support families in our community.

• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to:

• Program Manager of Families and Wellness

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to child welfare and family preservation. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.