Resources Social Worker

**Position: Resources Social Worker**

**Status: Regular Full-time**

**Department: Resources**

**Location: 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC**

**Classification: Delegated Social Worker Grid 20 - Grid 24 (+1TMA)**

**Salary: $2,523.82 to $3,321.99 bi-weekly**
- Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver's Indigenous community
- Receive a competitive salary of **$65,844.70 to $86,668.39 per year **PLUS a comprehensive benefits package
- Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan

**JOB SUMMARY**:
At VACFSS, we ensure that the rights, safety, well-being and spirit of Indigenous children and families are upheld, honoured and protected. We strive to eliminate oppression, discrimination and marginalization within our community. We acknowledge and honour the inherent wisdom, capacity and resourcefulness of our community in designing programs and services to care for our own children and families. Accordingly, we are dedicated to planning, developing, and implementing creative and innovative Indigenous programs and services in collaboration with members of our community and other agencies.

Resources is responsible for the administration and management of foster homes for VACFSS. This responsibility involves recruiting, training, supporting and monitoring Indigenous foster caregivers as well as non-Indigenous caregivers who have a connection to the Indigenous community. The mission of the Resources Program is to provide safe alternative care for Indigenous children in care that promotes and respects their cultural identity. Resources facilitates a Cultural Education Program, Caregiver Education Program, specialized caregiver training, caregiver self-help, and in home support services.

The Resources Social Worker (RSW) reports to a Resources Team Leader and works in partnership with VACFSS’s Child Protection and Guardianship programs. The RSW is responsible for maintaining a caseload of foster homes, recruiting, developing and maintaining a range of resources for when it is necessary that a child lives outside of their home. The goal of this service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child. This goal is enacted in practice by:
1. Gathering the Circle;
2. Listening, Assessing and Finding Solutions;
3. Creating Security, Belonging and Well-being;
4. Keeping the Circle Strong

The position monitors services provided, supports the resource providers, and liaises with internal staff for the safety and wellbeing of children. The goal of the service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child in care. Conducting home studies and making recommendations for approval, and liaising with non
- contract resources, may be required.

The RSW will be expected to develop and utilize a restorative practice approach that is guided by VACFSS’ values, the CFCSA, AOPSI, Resources Policy and Procedures, Chapter 8, Foster Caregiver Handbook, Standards for Foster Caregivers, and VACFSS’ framework, expectations for Inclusive Foster Care and Bill C-92 as it relates to the recruitment, support and retention of Indigenous foster caregivers.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training and Experience**:

- A Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master in a related human services field or;
- A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or;
- A Bachelor degree specializing in a related human services field with 2 years of recent and related experience to child welfare;
**Key Competencies**:

- Relational Engagement
- Leadership
- Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
- Emotional Competency
- Resilience
- Cultural, Spiritual Expression

**Job Skills and Abilities**:

- Thorough knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Federal Act, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
- Have a strong understanding of Aboriginal Child Welfare, and of situating children and families in the context of colonization.
- Awareness of resources available to Aboriginal clients, and knowledge of the referral process.
- Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members, other VACFSS colleagues, and personnel of other agencies in the community.
- Ability to work with clients from a trauma informed practice place, and promote healing opportunities for children and families.
- Well-developed interpersonal counseling and assessment skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to investigate complex family situations and assess risk.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
- Computer skills for Microsoft Word and Outlook.

**Note**:

- Applications will be accepted from applicants of all genders.
- This position requires Union membership.
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.
- This position requires the incumbent to be available in the office and f