Under 19 Transition Worker

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.

Position: Under 19 Transition Worker

Status: Temporary Vacancy, Full-time (12 to 18 months)

Department: Guardianship

Location: 3284 East Broadway

Classification: Delegated Social Worker (Grid Temporary Market Adjustment (TMA)

Salary: $ 69,760.70 to $ 89,268.45 annually

• Use your child welfare expertise to make a lasting difference in Vancouver's Aboriginal community
• Receive a competitive salary of $ 69,760.70 to $ 89,268.45 PLUS a comprehensive benefits package
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan

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 Team Leader, the Under 19 Transition Worker will be responsible for initial transition planning activities for youth starting as early as 14 years old. This position will work collaboratively with the Social Worker, youth/young adults, and their support circle to:

• Assess: across domains important to transition to identify planning needs.
• Plan: develop a transition plan in collaboration with the youth/young adult and their support circle.
• Review: ongoing and regular review of planning needs, maintaining, and managing the transition plan. This also involves coordinating and facilitating transition planning meetings with the youth/young adult and their support circle (as needed).
• Guide and Support: provide support with transition planning in line with how youth/young adult would like to receive services (indirect and direct support that will shift and change over time)

The Under 19 Transition worker will be responsible for developing relationships, providing guidance, funding resources and support to youth/young adults who are in the care of VACFSS that are under 19-years-old. There is an emphasis on relationship-based practice, developing community through group work, and cultural opportunities and strengthening. They will work in collaboration with the Over 19 Transition Worker, Guardianship Social Workers, Team Leaders, other staff, and community members. The work of the Under 19 Transition Worker is guided by the values of belonging, respect, strengths-based practice, integrity, and humility. It is conducted in accordance with practice standards, legislation, and VACFSS's philosophy of service delivery, in pursuit of a balanced and harmonious Indigenous community.

FUNCTIONS:

• The Under 19 Transition Worker provides expertise in assessing transition needs and offers support that ensures the children's views are considered and information provided is both developmentally and culturally appropriate for the child and family.
• Provides focused transition planning support and services to youth including assessing eligibility for youth agreements and planning for Temporary Support Agreements (TSA) with the Young Adults Program (AYA).
• Builds community by facilitating connections with Indigenous communities to support children, youth, families, and collaborative planning in supporting complex transitions.
• Works in collaboration with the Social Worker and community organizations to identify community resources that support strong transitions to adulthood and ensure the best outcomes for the child and family.
• Collaborate with the Social Worker to ensure consistency in the transition plan, goals, actions, and needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of various Indigenous and cultural groups in Canada as well as protocols associated with accessing community contacts and Elders. Demonstrates a good knowledge of Indigenous service structures including Band Administration, Band Social Worker functions, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies and cultural resources in the community.

Key Competencies:

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

Education 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 plus three years of related experience in child and family services and;
• Minimum 3 years' experience in working with vulnerable youth and young adults with complex needs (i.e., substance use, mental illness, homelessness, or youth in care or formerly in care).
• C4 delegation (to be provided).

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and competency.
• Experience coordinating interdisciplinary/cross sector teams, providing informal leadership and community engagement.
• Knowledge of and connections to various local communities and services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Task oriented with great organizational skills.

Note:

• 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 Union membership.
• Applications will be accepted from all applicants.
• Criminal Record Check.

BENEFITS:

• Extended health and dental
• Group life and AD&D
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS' Staff Cultural Clinical Counselor, Elder
• Access to Indigenous Cultural Teachings as coordinated by the Agency
• Eligible for the VACFSS flex program after passing probation

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants may apply by completing the Application on the Employment Opportunities webpage or by using the following link: We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Situated on the unceded and occupied territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xmθkym (Musqueam), Swxwú7mesh (Squamish), Selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:l nations