Family Support Navigator

Employment Type: Full-Time

Wage: $21.00 - $25.00 based on experience

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

Job Summary

The Family Support Navigator plays a key role in supporting families to access health, education, and social services in a culturally safe and responsive manner. This position works directly with children, youth, and their caregivers to identify service needs, coordinate supports, and advocate for timely access to appropriate programs, ensuring all efforts align with principles of respect, inclusion, and cultural safety.

Key Responsibilities

- Direct Family Support & Navigation

- Work directly with families to assess needs and connect them with culturally appropriate health, education, and social services.

- Support families in navigating complex systems with compassion and respect.

- Application Coordination

- Coordinate and submit applications for programs such as Jordan’s Principle, Claim Settlements, Child Support Benefits, etc.

- Gather necessary documentation, liaise with professionals, and advocate on behalf of families for approvals and timely services.

- Community & System Liaison

- Build and maintain effective working relationships with schools, health care providers, government agencies, and community-based programs.

- Advocate for the removal of systemic barriers and ensure continuity of care.

- Education & Advocacy

- Educate families about their rights, program eligibility, and available resources.

- Assist in developing self-advocacy skills within families through workshops and individual coaching.

- Care Coordination & Monitoring

- Track, monitor, and follow up on all applications, referrals, and service plans.

- Ensure services are delivered in a timely, coordinated, and culturally responsive manner.

- Culturally Safe Planning

- Collaborate with families to develop culturally grounded care plans, which may include:

- Access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers

- Traditional wellness practices and ceremonies

- Language and cultural revitalization support.

- Land-based healing activities.

- Outreach & Engagement

- Organize and deliver workshops, information sessions, and outreach activities.

- Foster strong, trust-based relationships with community members to support ongoing engagement.

- Documentation & Reporting

- Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with privacy legislation and funder requirements.

- Prepare reports and documentation to support service planning, evaluation, and funding compliance.

- Work collaboratively with other health, wellness, and social development staff to ensure wraparound supports for families.

- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development as required.

- Cultural and Holistic Support

- Uphold the four pillars of Hope, Belonging, Meaning, and Purpose in all aspects of work with children, youth, and families.

Qualifications

- Post-secondary education in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

- Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous worldviews, cultural practices, and the impacts of intergenerational trauma.

- Experience working with First Nations, Inuit, or Métis families is strongly preferred.

- Strong knowledge of social, health, and education systems and entitlements (e.g., Jordan’s Principle)

- Excellent interpersonal, advocacy, and organizational skills

- Ability to work with sensitivity and confidentiality in complex family situations.

- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.

- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance

Working Conditions

- Full-time position with flexible scheduling to meet family needs (evenings/weekends may be required)

- Office and community-based work, including home visits and event facilitation.

- Travel within the region may be required.

Hours of Work

Your regular hours of work will be from 8:00am - 4:00pm for 7 hours per day from Monday to Friday and it is expected that all work will be completed within your regular working hours, however, you may be required from time to time to work outside your normal hours of work.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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