Indigenous Child, Youth, and Family Advocate

Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited, non-profit organization that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong, sustainable communities by offering inclusive, accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.

At Encompass, we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those, we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs, services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded, sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the Diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who make Langley their home.

Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs, collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve, while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.

Our vision is to empower individuals, to connect people, and to enrich lives. We value Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community.

Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills, to foster healthy, productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier, all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually, we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

**The Opportunity**

The Indigenous Child, Youth, and Family Advocate provides advocacy and support services to self-identified Indigenous children, youth, and family accessing the CYAC, as well as non-Indigenous participants in collaboration with the CYAC Advocate/Coordinator. The Advocate provides trauma-informed and culturally safe care to children and youth who have experienced abuse as well as their family members and supporters. This position is often the first point of contact for families into the CYAC and ensures ongoing support for as long as is required.

JOB POSTING#: 2025-0200 Indigenous CYAC Advocate
DATE: September 11, 2025
POSITION: Permanent, Full-Time
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 per week, flexible work schedule required
SALARY RANGE: Grid 13: $31.77 - $35.29 (Hourly) - Depending on experience & qualifications
BENEFITS: Extended Health, Dental, Group (RSP/TFSA)
VACATION: As per ESS policy
ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP
CLOSING: Open until filled

**Some Core Competencies & Responsibilities**

**_ 1. Cultural Knowledge_**
- Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture and the historical and ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous People.
- Able to identify dimensions of culture specific to the child/youth/family (i.e. territory, art, cultural practices, architecture, regalia, language, traditional food, clan/totem systems, etc.) and to navigate resources that can support them to engage in these dimensions, such as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous service providers.
- Ability to incorporate cultural practices for convening culturally safe and trauma-informed meetings and collaborative practice.

**_
2. Practice Knowledge_**
- Person-Centred Care_
- Orients children, youth and families to the Centre, the model and their circle of care.
- Provides individual support to participants, providing advocacy, accompaniment and referrals to community services as required, including transportation to and support in appointments and help with completing required forms and paperwork.
- Works with participants to develop written safety plans and critical incident reports, as needed, by assessing, identifying, and addressing their immediate physical and emotional safety needs to reduce the risk of further victimization.
- Collaboration_
- Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team is an asset.
- Utilizes collaborative processes to achieve engagement with and advocacy for children, youth, families and community, as well as to generate change and resolve conflicts. This includes collaborating with health services, RCMP, child protection, cultural supports, Indigenous-specific services, victim services, and other support programs, while remaining aligned with program needs and Encompass’ values and grounded in cultural safety, humility, and reconciliation.
- Effective listening skills that promote a cooperative approach to problem solving and decision-making.

Communication
- Clear and respectful verbal and written communication skills.

Decision-Making
- Carefully considers multiple perspectives and all available information when making decisions.
- Demonstrates creativity and strategic thinking when making complex decisions with children, youth, families and community.
- Professional Practice_
- Ongoing, demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation and anti-oppressive practice.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and certification requirements - such as the Mental H