Position Overview:

The primary responsibility of our Michif social work team is to promote the safety and wellbeing of Métis children and youth.  At Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO), we believe this is best achieved through a trauma informed and culturally safe approach to practice that supports the healing journey of a child, youth, and their family.  Guided by our Michif Practice Model, the social workers work collaboratively with our holistic team of service providers, which includes our respected Michif Elders Council, to build caring relationships with children, youth, and families to facilitate healing and restore healthy ways of protecting, caring for and honouring our most precious gifts from the Creator, our children.  At LMO, we are seeking social workers who embrace this philosophy of practice, are committed to reconciliation in Indigenous child welfare and who can apply the principles of reconciliation to child welfare practice.

 

1.  Duties and Responsibilities
Child Safety Screening
·        Screens calls relating to child safety.
·        Responds to walk-ins relating to child safety.
·        Completes intake screening map as required.

Case Management
·        Follows provincial practice standards and the guidelines of the LMO Michif Practice Model

·        Facilitates planning and review meetings that promote permanency, life-long family and cultural connections and a road to independence.

·        Monitors and evaluates progress towards established goals and co-ordinates services and responsibilities of other resources.

·        Maintains clear and accurate documentation, reports, and records.

·        Provides explanation to child of why they are in care and involves child in ongoing planning.

·        Maintains the involvement of the child’s extended family and natural support network in planning.

·        Respects the right for privacy and confidentiality.

Community Development
·        Develops positive working relationships with community partners.

·        Participates in agency activities, gatherings, and celebrations.

·        Other duties as assigned or required.

 

2.      Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
•        Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the area of human/social services; A combination of a Diploma in related field and demonstrated ability to case manage within the LMO Michif Practice Model may be considered.

•        Preference will be given to those applicants with a letter of delegation, or previous letter of delegation.

•        Applicants without a letter of delegation must be prepared to attend delegation training through the Indigenous Perspective Society.

 

 

Competencies:
The Child Protection Social Worker should demonstrate competence in the following:

•        Cultural competence with a solid understanding of the history of colonization and the impacts of intergenerational trauma

•        Communicating information – creates an environment where open, honest communication is valued and develops strong, cooperative relationships.

•        Planning & organizing – plans and organizes time effectively to meet goals and timetables visualizing needs for the future.

•        Initiative – takes the initiative to identify new challenges or opportunities.

•        Problem Solving – uses critical thinking skills to solve problems thinking outside of the box.

•        Continuous Learning – Continuously acquires and applies knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance capacity, performance, and employability and to think about how to bring new ideas to move the organization forward.

•        Delivers on Commitments – Delivers on commitments to internal and external customers, demonstrating a sense of urgency and follow-through.

•        Relationship Building – Develops strong, cooperative relationships with internal and external partners, customers, clients and colleagues to build long term relationships that foster collaboration and partnership.

 

Skills and Abilities:
•            Excellent interviewing and needs assessment skills

•            Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to use integrated case management.

•            Strong Case Management ability

•            Ability to interpret and apply provincial legislation relevant to child and family services.

•            Proficiency in the use of computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, email, and the internet to the intermediate level (capable of using many functions and feel confident using the program)

•            Strong oral and written, interpersonal and communication skills.

•            Knowledge of child development impacts of intergenerational trauma and the principles of reconciliation as it relates to child and family services.

•            Recognizes and respects cultural diversity and has knowledge of Métis culture.

 

Experience:
•            Experience in delivering delegated child welfare services within the Indigenous Community is strongly recommended.

 

Working Conditions
•            Travel in this position is required.

•            Potential for violence in the workplace

•            Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job which include lifting of children.

•            Supervision received – frequent consultation with direct supervisor with directive and regular review of the work performed.

Conditions of Employment
•            Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Records Check

•            Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid BC Driver’s License

•            Must provide a vehicle in good condition and appropriate vehicle insurance to meet program requirements and access to a company vehicle is provided and requires a valid driver’s license.

•            Must be able to obtain and maintain delegation.

•            Must consent to a Prior Contact Check

•            Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services is exempt and allowed to give preference in hiring Indigenous People, under Section 15(2) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

•            As per current PHO orders regarding CLBC funded service providers, all employees of Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services are required to be fully vaccinated.

Compensation:

•            Wage: $38.20-51.88 (Dependent on Delegation Level). As per BCGEU Indigenous Services Collective Agreement with full benefits package following successful completion of probation period.

•            LMO Employees receive an annual wellness stipend following a successful probation.

•            BCGEU Indigenous Services Employees are entitled to receive a retention bonus at the end of each fiscal year (until the expiration of current collective agreement).