Community Social Worker

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Under the guidance of the Director of Health & Wellness, the Community Social Worker (CSW) provides culturally sensitive, quality, and accountable services to Williams Lake First Nation children and families using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach. The CSW provides culturally appropriate support, advice, and advocacy for community members at risk. The CSW will collaborate with other WLFN staff, and local child welfare agencies (MCFD/ Knucwentwecw Services Society) to provide seamless care for children, youth, and families involved in both protection, support, and medical services. The CSW is responsible for gathering information relevant to the client by interviewing, observing behavior, and meeting with caregivers and service providers while documenting all interactions. Through culturally based case management, the Community Social Worker provides several services to assist with problem-solving and skill development, including referrals, support, and guidance.

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Administrative**:

- Gathers information relevant to the client’s needs and risks by interviewing, observing behavior, and meeting with caregivers, service providers, and delegated agencies.
- Participates in the development, modification, and evaluation of client service plans with the integrated case management team through Case Planning Conference for all life stages.
- Outlines services provided by the program and/or organization and provides information on and referral to other community service providers, resources, and professionals as required.
- Liaises with and/or promotes the interests of clients with other community service providers, professionals, and school personnel as required.
- Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments as required.
- Outlines services provided by both Williams Lake First Nation and its partners/external agencies and keep the community informed of available support services.
- Provides information on program schedules and events and referral processes to other community service providers, resources, and professionals through regular community postings.
- Carry out daily management of Ministry of Family Development and Knucwentwecw Society files on T’exelc families.
- Maintain relevant records and statistics and provide regularly updated reports to the Director of Health and Wellness.
- Supports the mission, vision, and values of Williams Lake First Nation.
- Contributes to the WLFN’s ongoing success by accomplishing other duties as required or assigned.

**Program Management**:

- Works closely with community-based programs on family/client needs such as Health Centre staff, Social Development, Education, Housing, Three Corners Nursing services, etc.
- Conduct workshops and educational sessions on family functioning for families living both in and out of the Community of T’exelc, community members, health and social services supports, and service providers.
- Provide parenting education, referrals, and mentorship to clients on issues such as parent-child interaction, child development, discipline, guidance, and behavior management.
- Train, mentor, and educate new Health & Wellness staff on the Community Social Worker role and programs.
- The duties listed are provided as examples of areas of responsibility and are not intended to create limits to responsibility but to help understand the scope of the position. All staff is expected to be team-oriented and maintain the confidentiality of all information gained while working with the organization._

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Child Protective Services.

**Experience**:

- Minimum two years experience in family supports work, youth, and childcare, social work, or related field.
- Experience working with First Nations families and Indigenous Cultural Competency Certification.
- Trauma-informed practice training, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, Suicide Prevention training, or related certification(s).

**Knowledge**:

- Knowledge of Williams Lake First Nation community, traditions, teachings, culture, protocols, and practices.
- Knowledge of Secwepemc culture, language, and traditions is an asset;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software at an intermediate/advanced level

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Strong facilitation, presentation, research, analytical, problem solving, and report writing skills.
- A team player, ability to develop effective and supportive relationships with all colleagues and promote/maintain collaborative approaches.
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to work well under pressure, and prioritize workload to meet tight deadlines.
- Operates as part of a team and is flexible about the boundaries and functions of the job.
- Maintains professionalism in all circumstances.
- Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and understands the Indigenous culture.

**WORKING CONDITIONS**:

- Office environment.
- Most s