Protocol Investigations Social Worker

At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honoured and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honour the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

The objective of the Child Safety Program is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to work towards the preservation of families. The Child Safety Program provides a continuum of services, from preventive programs which support and maintain families, to services that ensure permanency for children in care.

Position: Protocol Investigations Social Worker
Status: Permanent Part-time, 21 hours/weekDepartment: Child Safety
Location: 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC
Classification: Social Program Officer R24 Delegated (Grid 24 +3TMA*)Salary: $48.25 to $55.04 per hour

*Delegated Child Safety Social Workers (Social Program Officer – CS) classified at Grid 24 working in Delegated Child Safety positions will receive 3 Temporary Market Adjustment (TMA) which will be placed at Grid 24 + 3 TMA.

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver’s Indigenous community
• Receive a competitive salary of $48.25 to $55.04 per hour PLUS a comprehensive benefits package
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Protocol investigation plays a critical role within a childprotection program delivered by a fully delegated (C6) Indigenous Child andFamily Services Agency, ensuring that allegations of abuse, neglect, oremotional harm involving children and youth in care are addressed in acoordinated, timely, and culturally responsive manner. When a report isreceived, the responsible Child Safety Manager with delegation leads andcoordinates the response, engaging a multidisciplinary response team includingdelegated Resource Workers, delegated Child Safety Workers, and agencycounterparts to assess risk, determine whether an investigation is warranted,and ensure immediate safety planning where required. The protocol investigation process isdistinct yet complementary to broader child protection investigations, as itfocuses specifically on examining concerns within care settings whilemaintaining a clear emphasis on the safety and well-being of children andyouth. Within an Indigenous context,this work is further grounded in collaboration with the child’s community andadherence to relevant band protocols, reinforcing culturally informeddecision-making and accountability. Overall, protocol investigations provide a structured framework thatpromotes transparency, interagency coordination, and consistent practicestandards while upholding the rights, safety, and cultural connections ofIndigenous children and families.

Role Focus

Thisposition will report to a Child Safety Manager for protocol investigationassignments, and to the Intake Team Leader when there is no active protocolinvestigation. The Protocol Social Worker is responsible for protocol driveninvestigations, inter‑agencycoordination, and ensuring compliance with VACFSS policies, the CFCSA, the ActRespecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families, andBand/Nation protocols. The role requires advanced investigative skills, strongcultural competency, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitivesituations.

Key Responsibilities

• ConductingInvestigations
  • Assess child/youth safety in current placements and determine immediatesafety needs.
  • Review all relevant documentation, including child service files andresource files.
  • Ensure all applicable Band/Nation protocols are followed.
  • Interview:
    • the child/youth who is the subject of thereport
    • other children/youth as needed
    • non accused caregivers
    • alleged accused caregivers or other parties(in consultation with police)
    • collaterals identified by the response team
  • Arrange medical examinations when required and obtain consent whenappropriate.
  • Continually assess safety throughout the investigation with the TeamLeader, Program Manager, and response team.
  • Recommend immediate actions when safety concerns exist, includingtemporary or permanent home closure.
• Completing theInvestigation
  • Prepare detailed investigation reports and summaries in ICM.
  • Ensure confidentiality requirements are met (initials only, no reporteridentity, no details jeopard