Family and Adoption Outreach Worker

**Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and youth in need of adoption and other types of permanency planning?**

**Position Summary**:
The Family and Adoption Outreach Worker is part of a team that works together with child(ren)’s planning teams to assist in permanency planning and transition planning for children in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

A key deliverable for this position is providing a clear understanding of their history, and supporting the preparation of their Lifebook. The position also prepares for the adoption or other permanent placement of their participants and provides post-placement support.

The position serves South Fraser and is under contract with MCFD (Ministry of Children and Family Development). There is travel involved in working in the South Fraser regions as well as in conducting home visits.

**Position Hours and Contract Length**
35 hours/week Monday to Friday with the flexibility to work an occasional evening or weekend to meet participant needs.

This is a 10-month contract position.

**Prime Functions**:

- Communicates the organization’s mission, vision, and values to external participants.
- Arranges and facilitate the presentation of adoption/permanency preparation information for families and professionals as identified by the Ministry of Children and Families.
- Assists the child's caseworker in his/her assessment of the child's readiness for adoption/permanency consideration and placement.
- Develops an inventory of the child’s needs for adoption/permanency placement; Provide input in the selection of potential parents
- Educates, trains and supports adoptive/permanency parents, foster parents, and other professionals around the preparation and support needed for children and families to be successful in their adoption/permanency journey
- Actively participates as part of a team to develop a transition plan and regularly evaluates and modifies the plan as needed.
- Creates a pre-placement visiting schedule; Introduces child to the adoptive/permanent family; Facilitates the transition plan
- Provides support for the child throughout the pre-placement and placement phase
- Provides emotional support to the child before, during, and after the transition process
- Maintains ongoing communication, education, and support with participants and their families.
- Regularly updates members of the planning team on the child’s work with the program
- Gathers and collates historical information, photographs, and anecdotal stories for Lifebooks. Contacts and interviews birth family members as required
- Engages and guides the child through their journey increasing his/her understanding of their history and preparing Lifebook
- Stores all participant documents, information, and data in a confidential manner as per program requirements.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- Post-secondary education in the humanistic field; preference is given to a degree
- Previous extensive experience working with children in areas including developmental stages, attachment issues, trauma, loss and grief, and special needs
- Knowledge of custody and permanency placement processes regarding children in the care of the Ministry of Children and Families
- Cultural sensitivity and knowledge including First Nations culture and history
- Previous experience in education and facilitation is an asset
- Communicates effectively by adapting to the target audience’s language, cultural background, and level of understanding.
- Strategic thinking skills, flexibility, and creativity in problem-solving
- Good organization and reliable follow-through skills
- Participant-focused service delivery and advocacy
- Provide a vulnerable sectors criminal record check
- A reliable vehicle (with business insurance) that can be used for work

**Benefits**
- 3 weeks of vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Group benefits include extended health, dental, paramedical
- Health spending account
- Pension contribution

**Application Process**

**About KCR Community Resources**
KCR is a not-for-profit agency fostering diversity, collaboration, and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet the community, family, and individual needs. We believe in a community where individuals and families are supported in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

We value inclusion and relationships built on mutual trust, recognizing each other's contributions, expertise, and opinion. We strive to create a safe and welcoming work environment where collaboration and valuing people's strengths are at the core of our day-to-day interactions.

**COVID19 Policy**
Valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all employees at all KCR Community Resources’ worksites and locations.