Indigenous Family Counsellor

We are proud and honoured to offer services on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm) First Nations Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations.

**Opportunity**:
Westcoast Family Centres Society (Westcoast) is looking for a part-time permanent Indigenous Family Counsellor for the Vancouver area. The Indigenous Family Counsellor must be able to travel to families’ homes and within their community to provide a variety of parenting education and supportive interventions that promote healthier family functioning, reduce risk factors, maintain safety and increase well-being. The Indigenous Family Counsellor provides support to families in goal planning and utilizes a range of strategies, community resources, and support network that respects the Indigenous practice of participants. We encourage First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples to apply.

**Responsibilities**:

- Conducting and completing detailed assessments for clients referred from multiple agency streams.
- Assessing, screening, referring, and linking individuals to internal and community resources as needed.
- Compiling and gathering collateral information.
- Participating in integrative case management meetings as needed to determine outcomes for individuals referred to the Agency.
- Consulting with the Ministry for Children and Family development to co-ordinate and deliver services.
- Communicating and coordinating relevant client information with agency staff across departments.
- Offer opportunities for families to receive support that respects and is specific to their cultural beliefs and practices.
- Attend as-needed weekly meetings for the intake, transition, and discharge of quick response clients.
- Provide interventions and brief therapeutic supports to individuals experiencing crisis.
- Provide a quick response to urgent situations that arise for clients.
- Work with families that identify as Indigenous and with a varying degree of connection to their Indigenous heritage and cultural practice.
- Work with at-risk and marginalized families within the community.
- Linking individuals with urgent needs to immediate resources (i.e. securing food resources, financial assistance, and housing).
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when required.

**Requirements**:

- Relevant M.A. degree (i.e. Social Services, Counselling Psychology) with 3 years’ experience or relevant B.A. with 5 years’ experience in family preservation/reunification preferred.

**Skills You Bring**:

- Understanding and knowledge of familial and social issues affecting Indigenous families, including but not limited to intergenerational trauma, colonialism and residential schools, traditional wellness and healing practices and culture as therapy.
- Experience working with families who may present multiple service needs related to poverty, addictions, violence, child abuse or neglect, and mental health issues.
- Strong counselling, program planning, and communication skills.
- An understanding of integrated case management.
- Computer proficiency - MS Office, ERP/CRM software systems (e.g. Sohema).
- Current Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level C certificate.
- Valid Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record, and use of own vehicle.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
- Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in the Family Preservation Program, and work experience with Indigenous Family.

**Why Work for WFC**:
Be part of a grassroots community-based agency committed to developing and strengthening our community together. As a Westcoast employee, you will benefit from:

- An opportunity to be a part of a hands-on mentoring experience, through role-modelling and coaching.
- Making a difference in your local community.
- A chance to do meaningful work with a committed team of professionals.
- Contribute to our commitment of being an inclusive and culturally safe environment for all.
- Join us in being allies to Indigenous peoples, in our journey of reconciliation.

**About Westcoast Family Centres**:
Westcoast Family Centres Society is a multi-service community-based non-profit organization delivering child-centred, evidence-based programs and services to children and families in the Lower Mainland. Our mission is to strengthen and develop healthy relationships between children, their families, and their communities. Our programs and services aim to address the unique and varied challenges faced by vulnerable families. Joining the Westcoast team is an opportunity to be a part of a team where your skills and knowledge will make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.