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 Screener Social Worker for a Regular Full Time Position based in Chilliwack. This role is part of the Screening Team and reports to the Team Lead. The Intake Screener is responsible for ensuring all information is managed and recorded in accordance with the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI), and FVACFSS Policies and Procedures. As the gatekeeper for all primary services, the Screener handles concerns of child abuse or neglect, sexual abuse intervention, requests for family support, foster parent applications, and workshop requests. The role involves screening, completing immediate safety assessments, receiving information via calls or in-person, inputting data, checking collaterals, assessing information in consultation with a supervisor, managing the intake log, and completing intake documentation. Screeners also respond to requests for non-protection family supports, provide referrals, and offer general information about available services.

Requirements

Must be 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.
Screeners are expected to be familiar and must comply with the expectations of confidentiality as outlined in the Agency’s Human Resources Policy Manual and other policies and operational manuals, AOPSI and B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.
PLUS an 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

Gathers full and detailed information such that an effective assessment can be conducted.
Conducts and initial records review (IRR) to identify previous issues or concerns, the number of service requests to determine if there has been previous child protection involvement, including across jurisdictions.
Collects, records and analyzes all information provided by the concerned party.
If it’s not a child protection concern, refers the case to the appropriate service provider.
Processes a child protection report and documents the information related to the case in a clear and concise manner.
When required, notifies appropriate stakeholders such as the police, parents, community, etc.
Engages in face-to-face meetings with the parent or caregiver to discuss child protection concerns raised.
Quickly establishes trusting relationships to effectively interview each child/youth privately.
Conducts an immediate safety assessment, and assesses the report of a child or youth’s need for protection, either immediately if the child is in a life-threatening situation or within 24 hours in all other situations.
Determines if a report requires a protection, or non-protection response decision.
Assigns an appropriate response priority to the report.
If it is not a child protection concern, refers the information to the appropriate service provider, provides voluntary immediate Family Services (such as linking families and youth to services, arranging short term voluntary support services) and provides general information to callers regarding services available.
Obtains collateral information and contacts those references in a timely manner.
Provides information to families regarding appropriate Aboriginal services and agencies within the community.
Inputs and/or updates the information into the system and the intake log.
Processes a child protection report and documents the information related to the case in a clear and concise manner.
Completes documentation related to investigations, such as court documents, risk assessments, as directed by the supervisor.
Seeks professional guidance and supervision from their Team Lead in determining if protection investigation or service assessment is required.
Demonstrates security awareness consistent with agency policy when dealing with confidential documents, office safety and personal safety.
Demonstrates proficiency in case management and organizational skills to ensure complete and accurate records are kept on all files according to policy, the timely return of telephone messages, and reliability and predictability in terms of relationship with clients and the community.
Completes monthly statistical reports in a timely manner.
Develops and maintains a positive and participatory approach to teamwork.
Promptly addresses issues that have an impact on cooperation, support, moral and service delivery.
Establishes respectful and effective working relationships with other staff, work units and other agencies.
Seeks knowledge and information when there may be uncertain of policy, practice, or procedures.