Family Support Worker

**Family Support Worker - Thresholds Program**

**Job Summary**: Reporting to the Thresholds Program Coordinator, the Family Support Worker is an integral member of Aunt Leah’s Thresholds team, delivering trauma-informed, person-centered support to participants and their children. This role focuses on supporting mothers who are at risk of homelessness and/or losing custody of their children to the Ministry. Participants include individuals with a range of needs and experiences, including those navigating mental health challenges, substance use, and intimate partner violence, as well as those seeking additional support and stability in a transitional period of their lives.

The Family Support Worker provides pre-natal and post-natal support and assists mothers in building life skills, with the goal of preventing family separation and breaking the cycle that can lead children in foster care to homelessness.This work takes place within the Thresholds Program, a transitional housing initiative that supports parenting moms (ages 19+) in need of a safe, stable place to live. The program offers housing, wraparound supports, and opportunities for personal growth while promoting independence and long-term well-being. Operating across three stages of transitional housing (1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage), the program is grounded in a commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where moms and their children can thrive.
- Opportunities Available:_

**2 x Full-Time Regular Positions**:

- **Shift Schedule**: 7.5 Hour Day Shifts; 37.5 hrs/week; Monday to Friday
- Thresholds House is a **Supportive Housing program**for mothers in need; Staff works alone.
- Location: New Westminster, BC

**Reports To**: Thresholds Program Coordinator (Supervisor)

**Compensation**:$24.44/ hr.

**Qualifications**:Required education and experience includes:

- Child and Youth Care Diploma, Social Services Diploma, or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in providing support to women and children; with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness, and/or social services; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience with general suitability.

**Requirements**:

- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable persons) and Local Police Information Check (including vulnerable persons)
- Undergo & Maintain a MCFD Contracted Agency Caregiver Clearance
- First Aid - Level C w/ CPR
- Food Safe Certificate
- Agrees to the Aunt Leah’s Code of Ethics
- Follows Aunt Leah’s Practice Guidelines

**Assets**:

- A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, and access to a vehicle; with $5,000,000 in business liability insurance, and clean driver’s abstract
- Rapid Response Overdose Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Cultural Competency Training
- Substance Use & Addictions Awareness Training
- Trauma Informed Training

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)**:

- Communication (verbal and written)
- Ability to follow and implement program policies and procedures
- Interpersonal abilities and team work skills
- Time management & ability to prioritize tasks
- Cultural safety/competency
- Creative problem solving
- Crisis management, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility/Adaptability in managing multiple priorities
- Computer/Technical Literacy
- Planning/Organizing & Budgeting Skills
- Report Writing & Documentation
- Knowledge of Residential Tenancy Act

**1. Direct Care (One-to-one Support)**:

- Build trusting, supportive relationships with participants using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.
- Support participants in the following key areas of personal and family development:

- Parenting Skills - Child development, attachment, healthy family dynamics.
- Independent Living Skills - Meal planning, cooking, cleaning, shopping, hygiene, housing search, and maintaining housing security and safety.
- Financial Literacy - Budgeting, bill payments, accessing financial entitlements (e.g., Child Tax Benefit), opening bank accounts, and financial planning.
- Interpersonal Skills - Conflict resolution, developing healthy relationships, and building support networks.
- Health and Wellness - Accessing physical and mental health services, substance use supports, and education around sexual health and personal care.
- Recreational Engagement - Identifying and engaging in healthy leisure activities.
- Education and Career Development - Supporting access to training, education, or vocational opportunities.
- Cultural Connection - Encouraging connection to participants’ cultural identities and practices.

**2. Direct Care - Program and Household Support**:

- Promote a safe and respectful living environment by ensuring house rules and expectations are followed consistently.
- Support participants with meal preparation and communal cooking activities.
- Participate in regular cleaning and maintenance tasks, including su