Social Worker Assistant - Full-Time (Agassiz) - 1868

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

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position, based in Agassiz, is with the Stó:lō Delegated Team East. The Social Worker Assistant (SWA) supports Social Workers by assisting with non-delegated day-to-day casework activities. The delegated Social Worker and/or Team Leader retain full decision-making responsibility. Duties include direct assistance to Social Workers, support to youth in care, interaction with children in care, youth and foster parents, supervision of access visits, transportation of clients, and administrative coordination. The Social Worker Assistant provides direct assistance to social workers by identifying sources of information that will be of assistance in the development and implementation of case management plans and the preparation of reports. The SWA provides support to youth in care by arranging for services with provincial ministries (e.g. Ministry of Housing and Social Development; Ministry of Education), supports case manager and service providers in developing youth’s independent living plan. The SWA will interact with children in care, youth, and foster parents, provide transportation assistance, coordinate administrative aspects of client case management as well as interact and maintain contact with children-in-care, foster parents, and families. Xyólheméylh is proud to have an Elders Advisory Council to ensure that culture is embedded throughout the agency ensuring the goals, missions and values are upheld in a good way. Lets'emót – to be of one heart and one mind.

Requirements

Minimum of grade 12 education with at least 2 years certification/diploma or post secondary education in the related field such as child and youth care, or related Human Service equivalent.
Minimum 2 years experience working with children and youth in a directly related field.
Understanding of child welfare system, basic court procedures and the Child Family and Community Services Act.
Knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) and other relevant Legislation
Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices, values and beliefs and a demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Indigenous children, families, and communities in a culturally sensitive manner.
Clear understanding of risk and protective factors and relevant theories, principles, techniques, and practice approaches related to working with Indigenous children, families, and communities.
Demonstrated abilities and experience in: developing strong working relationships with children, families, Indigenous communities, foster parents, biological parents, and other FVACFSS employees; developing contractual arrangements and plans with clients, caregivers, and other professionals; balancing competing priorities; working under pressure; writing concise reports to various audiences; representing and promoting FVACFSS; developing work plans, implementing plans and evaluating intervention success
Professional commitment, flexibility, good problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
Excellent communication skills both oral and written as well as time management and organizational skills.
Computer literacy on databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer software
Required to work flexible hours.
Ability to travel between offices if and when required.
Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License (no restrictions); reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.
Criminal Records Check is a requirement.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code

Responsibilities

Assists Social Workers in child protection investigations by identifying sources of information and contacting community professionals (e.g. teachers, police officers) that will be of assistance in developing and implementing case management plans.
Liaises with the First Nation Bands and Communities for the purposes of conducting assessments, gathering information under direction of Social Worker.
Supports parents in locating and enrolling in community-based parenting and relevant programs.
Completes thorough file reviews, makes referrals to community programs, requests for medical/birth documentation and police records, arranges and attends meetings with and on behalf of Social Workers, attends home visits with the Social Worker, completes documentation on the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system, and takes/summarizes case notes as required.
Drafts court documents at Social Worker’s direction for approval and signature.
Participates in multi-disciplinary case conferences, organizes, and documents case management points for the Social Worker.
Assist Social Workers when bringing children/youth into care.
Support Youth-In-Care (YIC) by assisting in arranging services with other Ministries, arranging independent housing, and obtaining personal identification documentation.
Implementing planned moves of the child/youth in care by arranging physical move, mentally preparing the child/youth, and informing foster parents of the child’s needs and functioning.
Assist Social Workers in completing Care Plans.
Visits out of care children to assess needs and goodness of fit to their home.
Schedule visits between CIC and parents, supervise visits between CIC and parents.
Demonstrates proficiency in organizational skills to ensure complete and accurate records are kept on all files according to policy, the timely return of telephone messages.
Develops and maintains a positive and participatory approach to teamwork.
Establishes respectful and effective working relationships with other staff, work units and other agencies.