Screener Social Worker - F/T (Chilliwack) - 1898

Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society•Chilliwack, BC

1d•CA$69,763 - CA$94,755•Onsite

About The Position

The Fraser Valley Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (FVACFSS) is seeking a Regular Full Time Screener Social Worker for their Chilliwack-Youth Hub. This role is crucial as the 'gatekeeper' for primary services, including child abuse/neglect concerns, sexual abuse intervention, family support requests, foster parent applications, and group/workshop requests. The Screener is responsible for initial information gathering, safety assessments, and determining the appropriate response (protection or non-protection). They will manage intake logs, complete documentation, and refer cases to other service providers when necessary. The position emphasizes working with Indigenous children, youth, and families, respecting their cultural diversity and promoting Indigenous values. FVACFSS is a fully delegated Aboriginal Agency serving Indigenous communities on and off reserve within Stó:lō Territory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Social Work or in Child & Youth Care OR Master's Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology/Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology OR a registered member in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers or has a letter from the College confirming that their application for registration has been approved.
If education was obtained outside of Canada, confirmation of equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) with a comprehensive report and MCFD supplemental report.
Delegated or eligible for delegation in the province of BC.
A minimum of 1-year Delegated Child Protection experience.
Ability to practice standards set out in the Child Protection Response Policy (Chapter 3), B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) Manual.
Knowledge of “An Act Respecting First Nations, Métis and Inuit People” and its application in service delivery with Indigenous children and families.
Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and histories, and how these inform child welfare practice, planning and support.
Ability to work respectfully with Indigenous communities and organizations.
Knowledge of circle processes and cultural protocols.
Understanding of cross-cultural issues as they affect children in care, foster parents, biological parents and communities of origins.
Practical knowledge of federal, provincial and aboriginal organizations mandated to provide health, counseling and child and family services.
Strong understanding of agency policies and procedure manuals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with children, Aboriginal communities, caregivers, parents, and other FVACFSS employees.
Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.
Strong investigation skills, including completing assessments and making recommendations.
Strong problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
Ability to apply trauma informed and culturally safe approaches to direct service delivery, assessment and planning.
Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for their clients.
Maintain a clear differentiation between the professional and personal self.
Computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Valid BC Driver’s License; reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.
Familiarity and compliance with confidentiality expectations as outlined in the Agency’s Human Resources Policy Manual, operational manuals, AOPSI, and B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s Degree with a Major/Honors in a Human Services field OR Master’s level graduate Certificate/Diploma in a Human Services field AFTER the completion of an unrelated bachelor’s degree.
Equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Human Services fields include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology or Nursing.

Responsibilities

Gather full and detailed information for effective assessment.
Conduct and record initial record reviews to identify previous issues and service requests.
Collect, record, and analyze all information provided by the concerned party.
Refer cases to the appropriate service provider if not a child protection concern.
Process child protection reports and document case information clearly and concisely.
Notify appropriate stakeholders such as the police, parents, and community when required.
Engage in face-to-face meetings with parents or caregivers to discuss child protection concerns.
Establish trusting relationships to effectively interview children/youth privately.
Conduct an immediate safety assessment and assess the need for protection.
Determine if a report requires a protection or non-protection response.
Assign an appropriate response priority to the report.
Provide voluntary immediate Family Services and general information to callers.
Obtain collateral information and contact references in a timely manner.
Provide information to families regarding appropriate Aboriginal services and agencies.
Input and/or update information into the system and intake log.
Complete documentation related to investigations, such as court documents and risk assessments, as directed by the supervisor.
Seek professional guidance and supervision from their Team Lead.
Demonstrate security awareness regarding confidential documents, office safety, and personal safety.
Demonstrate proficiency in case management and organizational skills.
Complete monthly statistical reports in a timely manner.
Develop and maintain a positive and participatory approach to teamwork.
Promptly address issues impacting cooperation, support, morale, and service delivery.
Establish respectful and effective working relationships with other staff and agencies.
Seek knowledge and information when uncertain of policy, practice, or procedures.