Child and Youth Engagement Worker

**Position: Child and Youth Engagement Worker**

**Status: Regular full-time (evening, weekend and holiday work will be required)**

**Department: Guardianship**

**Location: 3284 East Broadway**

**Classification: Delegated Social Worker 20-24**

**Salary: $59,288.46 to $75,884.38 annually**
- Use your child welfare expertise to make a lasting difference in Vancouver's Aboriginal community
- Receive a competitive salary of **$59,288.72 to $75,884.38** PLUS a comprehensive benefits package
- Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan

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.

The VACFSS Guardianship program is responsible for the care and well-being of Indigenous children under a Continuing Custody Order. Our approach is situated in a model of the child in the center of their circle of support, surrounded by family and community. The Guardianship program focuses on developing holistic care plans with an emphasis on connection to family, culture and community.

**PURPOSE OF POSITION**

Reporting to the Guardianship Manager, the Child and Youth Engagement Worker is responsible for: coordinating overall youth engagement strategies and practice in all VACFSS Programs, including the Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) Program, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), and the CIRCLE Program. The Child and Youth Engagement Worker will be engaging directly and meaningfully with youth, leading VACFSS’ participation in community-based youth engagement initiatives, coordinating engagement strategies as well as culturally grounded initiatives and programs for children ages 6-12. This position will provide oversight to contractors for youth programs including CRUW, YAC and CIRCLE.

The CRUW Program includes 3 streams of youth involvement: (1) UBC Farm Program, (2) Life Skills and Leadership Program, and (3) Youth Mentor Committee.

**FUNCTIONS**:.
- Responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating VACFSS’s youth engagement initiatives and programs including the CRUW program, YAC, and supporting youth engagement within each of the VACFSS programs as directed by the Guardianship Manager. supports healing and growth.
- Responsible for coordinating a comprehensive child and youth engagement strategy that is grounded in Indigenous culture, protocol, and the development of strong Indigenous identities and leadership /life skills for Indigenous children and youth in care or with child welfare involvement.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive children’s engagement strategy including programming that promotes the development of a healthy Indigenous identity through the introduction of teachings and protocols, fosters self-confidence, and engages with the agency.
- Maintains and develops positive relationships with relevant community partners in relation to Indigenous child and youth engagement and participation in community-based initiatives. May include representing VACFSS on community-based committees and initiatives.
- Keeps detailed, well organized records of the work completed, and regularly backs work up on the VACFSS server.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education and Experience**:

- Masters of Social Work (MSW); or
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); or
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care; or
- A Bachelor degree specializing in a related human services field
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in youth engagement, preferably working with Indigenous children and youth
- Ability to independently engage Knowledge Keepers and Elders through protocol
- Oversight of contractors and experience with contract management

**Technical Knowledge Required**:

- Delegation up to C4 (to be provided).
- Excellent therapeutic and strengths-based behavior intervention skills.
- Ability to work from a Trauma-Informed practice lens.
- Strong understanding of the impact of trauma and FAS on children’s abilities and behaviours.
- Provides support to Cultural Coordinator in planning and facilitating cultural events for foster families, children and youth.
- Comprehensive understanding of Aboriginal history as it relates to Urban Aboriginal child welfare.
- Working knowledge of the CFCSA, AOPSI standards, and the duty to report
- Demonstrated skills in Indigenous youth engagement.
- Ability to develop and foster relationships with community partners and VACFSS stakeholders.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills to communicate with a