Summer Student – Child Protection

Website Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society

Status: Temporary Term, full-time hours until September 1, 2023
Hours of Work: 8:30am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (some evenings or weekends may be required)
Department: Child Protection
Location: 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver BC
Classification: Grid 13
Salary: $29.70 – $33.55 hourly

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.

JOB SUMMARY:
We have exciting opportunities for three Summer Students to be placed at our Child Protection Office. The Summer Student Placement Program works to develop skills and knowledge of students that have interests in Indigenous child welfare. Students will have the opportunity to gain exposure and develop practical professional level skills toward working in the social services sector and will provide exposure to Restorative Child Welfare practices working with Indigenous families and Communities. Upon completing the term, students will have increased knowledge of VACFSS’ Restorative policies and practices pertaining to child welfare, provincial and federal legislation, including the CFCSA and Bill C92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families as well as administrative skills. The placement will also offer an opportunity to students regarding educational and professional pathways, including future summer student terms with VACFSS, practicum opportunities, and employment opportunities for qualified candidates.

How it Works:
The Summer Student Program seeks eligible students that would like to gain work experience in Indigenous Child Welfare. We will provide supportive, educational, and meaningful work placements for students during the summer months (April to September). It provides professional experience, leadership development and to build a cultural and professional network.

Job Overview:
The Summer student will work for approximately 4 – 5 months in the Child Protection Program engaged in any of the following:

Helps Social Workers, Team Leaders, Administrative staff, and Office Managers.
Transportation assistance to children, youth, or families.
Engaging with children or youth in care, parents, or care givers.
Assisting in information gathering or sharing.
Assisting in research, data gathering for analysis.
Coordinate non-delegated administrative tasks.
Assist with events coordination.
Assisting in workshop facilitation or logistics.
A complete position profile will be provided to candidates at the time of the interview.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience:

Currently enrolled in a BSW or BCYC degree program from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Completed 2 years post-secondary education or equivalent and registered for fall semester of 2023.
Residing in Vancouver or Metro Vancouver for the summer of 2023.
Demonstrated helping experience through work, community, volunteer, or lived experiences, for example butnot limited to:
Volunteering for not-for-profit organizations.
Providing direct care for infants, toddlers, and school aged children
Active member in a cultural, community and/or University clubs & committees
Organizing and participating in community events
Class 5 Driver’s Licence is required for this position.
Job Skills and Abilities:

Transporting with car seats (as per safety standards) infants, toddlers, and school aged children.
Able to physically file documents within client files.
Proficiency in using Windows-based computer applications including MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Work, Word, and PowerPoint) and other standard computer applications and equipment.
An ability to quickly learn new computer applications and programs.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members, other VACFSS colleagues, and personnel of other agencies in the community.
Ability to exercise judgment and sensitivity in complex and sensitive issues.
Willingness to learn about the organization’s processes and policies.
Well-developed interpersonal skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills with family members and children.
Key Competencies:

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

This position requires Union membership.
This position is open to applicants of all genders.
Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
This position is required to work in the office full-time for the employment term.
A vehicle is not required for the summer position; however, is required to obtain permanent employment.
This position requires the incumbent to be available in the office.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants may apply at www.vacfss.com or by using the following link: https://www.vacfss.com/join-us/apply-for-a-job/.

Any questions can be submitted to employment@vacfss.com.

To apply for this job email your details to thao_atkinson@vacfss.com.