Temporary Aboriginal Family Preservation Worker

**Job title** _Aboriginal Family Preservation Worker - Lower Mainland Area_
**Reports to** _Regional Manager _
**Status**_Fix Term Until March 31, 2026 - 35 hours per week - Temporary while Incumbent on Leave_
**Salary**_As per BCGEU Salary Grid - $73,766.45 per annum_

**Our Organization - Mission Statement: “A Helping Hand to Justice”**

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia provides culturally-appropriate services to Indigenous people and communities consistent with their needs. Our services are accomplished by assisting persons involved in the criminal justice system; providing access to counselling and referral services for clients with substance abuse and detox support issues; providing advocate services for Indigenous family and youth. Our dedicated employees are responsible to the needs of the community by providing quality, innovative and educational options where people are treated with dignity and respect.

**The Position**

We are looking for an individual with work experience supporting youth and families to address needs related to an FASD assessment, Jordan Principles, Criminal Justice system involvement and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. This individual will support youth by informing the courts and Youth Probation Officers of their FASD diagnosis to make certain fair sentencing and probation conditions are being determined when dealing with Indigenous youth who live with complex issues, and to strengthen their success while incarcerated or transitioning back into the community. This position will also require the worker to support youth and families in attaining adequate medical access and care that is related to the Jordan Principles.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Support youth and families through the FASD assessment process by assisting them with intake packages, consent forms and obtaining documents needed for the clinical team to facilitate the assessment.
- Support the Cultural Preservation Worker by participating in ceremony such as drumming/singing, sweat lodge etc. with youth and their family.
- Work as a team when doing outreach to escort youth off site to various appointments, meetings, court, correctional facilities, and cultural outings, schools, care team meetings, reserves.
- Some evening work or weekend work for conferences and information fairs.
- Provide hands-on intensive support to families in crisis to address risk and strengthen family unit.
- Prepare and submit monthly reports and pertinent statistics to Regional Manager.
- Consult with Regional Manager for needed guidance about any outreach work or file work.
- Network and collaborate with other service providers to address potential barriers when transition planning for youth.

**Knowledge, Skills and Education**
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions and a demonstrated ability to work with Indigenous people. **Preference will be given to individuals with an Indigenous background as per section of Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.**
- A minimum of one-year crisis intervention skills/de-escalation skills/conflict resolution skills.
- A minimum of one-year experience supporting Indigenous youth and families who have multiple life challenges.
- At minimum a certificate or diploma in Counselling, Social Work, Life Skills Coaching, Health Care combined with life experience overcoming multiple life challenges.
- Must be personable and able to quickly establish rapport to build relationships with youth and families.
- Possess work experience supporting youth and families to address needs related to an FASD assessment, Jordan Principles, Criminal Justice system involvement and the Ministry of Children and Family Development as well as Harm Reduction, Addictions and Mental Health.
- Experience working with youth who have struggles that pertain to violence, addiction, sexual abuse, homelessness, and mental illness.
- Knowledge of the social issues that pertain to generational impacts of colonization and residential schools.
- Familiarity with community resources from Lower Fraser Valley to the Greater Vancouver area, particularly Indigenous-specific resources that better serve Indigenous youth.
- Understanding of the importance of Indigenous culture and its role in the healing and empowerment of Indigenous youth.
- Networking skills to build healthy working relationships with other stakeholders including but not limited to the Asante Centre, Probation Services, MCFD appointed social workers, health care providers, school educators and other support workers that may be involved in the youth support circle.
- Demonstrate self-initiative, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Be flexible regarding hours of work. From time to time might need to work on weekends.
- Have a reliable vehicle, valid B.C. driver’s license and good driving abstract.
- Provide a valid criminal record check.

**Why us**

If you are a cari