Guardianship Social Worker

_**Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.**_

**PURPOSE**: Reporting to the Guardianship Manager, the Guardianship Social Worker is responsible for supporting the cultural, relational, physical, familial and legal identity of children (smun’eem) and youth in the ongoing or long-term care of Stsi’elh Stuhw Tu Smun’eem. The Guardianship Social Worker maintains an understanding of the traditional processes to ensure Cowichan smun’eem and youth are connected to their culture, adheres to the Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqwa’a’ i’ Smun’eem (Cowichan Law) and related policies and standards, and either acts as the ‘prudent parent’ or supports extended family or community members to care for Cowichan smun’eem and youth in the long-term care of Stsi’elh Stuhw Tu Smun’eem. The Guardianship Social Worker carries delegated authority under Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqwa’a’ i’ Smun’eem. These are full-time permanent positions with local travel required.

**COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS**:Cowichan Tribes offers an excellent benefit and pension plan available after successful completion of the probationary period. The position includes paid training, paid vacation and paid sick leave. Depending on experience, the position starts at $43.93 - $46.59 per hour ($79,944.19 - $84,802.32 annually).

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Collaborate with the smun’eem/youth and their family to ensure their rights and guiding principles under Snuw'uy'ulhtst tu Quw'utsun Mustimuhw 'u tu Shhw'a'luqw'a' 'i Smun'eem - Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children are upheld
- Using a holistic, cultural and collaborative approach, plan for and monitor each smun’eem and youth’s individual needs, while setting achievable goals
- Advocate for the smun’eem/youth’s needs
- Prioritize the involvement of birth parents, extended family and Elders in planning
- Liaise with members of the Cowichan community to ensure cultural protocols and processes have been followed in all aspects of planning for the smun’eem/youth’s care.
- Ensure that culturally appropriate and specific Care Plans are developed and implemented for every Cowichan smun’eem/youth in the ongoing or long-term care of Stsi’elh Stuhw Tu Smun’eem
- Ensure that documentation and file recordings are accurate and complete according to standards and policy
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders and engage members of the smun’eem’s/youth circle to ensure holistic planning
- Recognize the importance of the smun’eem/youth’s ongoing connection with culture, parents, extended family and community
- Support the development of the smun’eem/youth’s cultural competency
- Prepare the smun’eem/youth for transitions related to their placement and assist youth to transition to adulthood
- Other related duties as required

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**:(please attach all required documents)
- Bachelor of Child & Youth Care, Social Work or other related field of study; a diploma in a related field combined with experience in Indigenous Child welfare may be considered
- 2 years’ experience in Child Family Services sector preferred
- Experience working with an indigenous community preferred
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, reliable vehicle and clean drivers’ abstract
- Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector required

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**:

- Knowledge of Cowichan Tribes and Stsi’elh Stuhw Tu Smun’eem services and programs
- Strong understanding of the history of colonization and the resultant child welfare issues
- Thorough understanding of Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqwa’a’ i’ Smun’eem (Cowichan Law)
- Demonstrated respect for and willingness to learn about cultural protocols, teachings and ways of life relating to Cowichan peoples

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.
- Awareness of resources available in the community and how to access them
- Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and collaborative way with team members, community Elders, smun’eem/youth, extended family members, caregivers, and various agencies within the community
- Ability to work with the smun’eem/youth, birth family members and community members from a trauma-informed practice approach and promote healing opportunities for children and families
- Working knowledge of the Mustimuhw (Family Journey) system
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent time and general management skills
- Excellent computer skills including Word, Internet Explorer, Windows and Outlook
- Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, high-stress work environment where work priorities change frequently

**Reference No. STS-ADM-GSW-0625**

Cowichan Tribes Human Resources Department

435 Trunk Road - Unit 208 (second floor)

Duncan, BC, V9L, 2P5

**Deadline: Thursday, July