Job Title: Aboriginal Infant Development Worker
Program: Indigenous Early Years
Status: Full Time, Union (BCGEU), one year Term
Wages: $29.46/hour (starting) + benefits and pension
Location: 717 Princess Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30

Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural team of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The VAHS Indigenous Early Years (IEY) Child and Family Support Program is a family-centered program and works in partnership with parents and/or caregivers to provide support and intervention to families with children. The Aboriginal Infant Development Worker (AIDW) develops useful strategies to promote child development. Through outreach visits, the AIDW will provide developmental guidance, information and resources, assessments, referrals, and other culturally grounded supports for families of the program.

This position requires travel and home visits and is expected to juggle a heavy caseload. Work outside of regular office hours may be required.

The AIDW is a full time position (40 hours/week) for a term of one year, with the hours generally being from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility to deliver programs one evening per week. This is a BCGEU-certified Union position with a starting wage of $29.46/hour, with benefits and pension available after three months.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Interview clients to prepare case histories and gather background information. Assess whether the needs of the infant and family fall within the mandate of the program and make appropriate referrals to other community agencies, as necessary
  • Through regular outreach visits and/or other community/home settings, conduct assessments and develop individualized plans depending on infant and family needs
  • Assist families in identifying goals and needs for their infants and the means of attaining them. Implement an individual program that will be based on the family's priorities and needs. Coordinate with other professionals and services to provide support and resources to families
  • Review and evaluate infant’s progress and makes adjustments, as necessary, in collaboration with involved community professionals and family members
  • Maintain open and positive communication with parents. Requests input and participation of parents into the development of their infant’s program
  • Assist the family in obtaining the best possible diagnostic assessment, medical and related services for infants. Encourages parents to take part in any decision making process to encourage the infant's growth and development
  • Assist families in selecting appropriate childcare or preschool placements and ensure that transition procedures between the program, preschool, and/or supported childcare are in place
  • Introduce families to other families and parenting support programs
  • Work toward continuing of care for infants-in-care and support parent/child relationships
  • Provide information and education to parents, caregivers, co-workers, and the community relating to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various developmental delays and health conditions
  • Provide liaison, education, and advocacy for and with community agencies on issues concerning the program
  • Recognize potential crises, analyze such situations accurately, develop strategies to deal with situations, and inform supervisor when such incident occurs
  • Coordinate services in partnership with the family and community professionals to ensure the child’s medical, social, and educational service needs are met. Promote a family centred approach to service coordination, which includes a well-coordinated team approach to agency and interagency service delivery in the best interest of the child and family
  • Meet regularly with other Infant Development Programs in Vancouver to ensure a collaborative approach when working with families
  • Foster positive working relationships with team members and other program staff
  • Ensure that accurate program and client records are maintained and that confidentiality is a priority
  • Ensure all require documentation is complete and available to families and involved community professionals. Ensure parents/caregivers approve reports and choose to whom the report will be distributed to. Respond immediately to emergencies including suspected incidents of child abuse, in accordance with Ministry of Children and Family Development guidelines, and VAHS/IEY policies and guidelines
  • Attend regular staff meetings
  • Perform other related duties as required, based needs of the family, the program, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in a field related to Infant Development and/or Early Childhood Development (infant and toddler, nursing, education, psychology, social science), or the equivalent education and experience
  • Three years’ previous work experience in a similar environment is required
    • Should have demonstrated practical experience in working with developmentally-delayed infants, their families, and other professionals
    • Should have direct program delivery experience with working knowledge of family-centered care, early intervention child development, and community-based programming

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of the stages of early childhood development
  • Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, issues, and support services
  • Knowledge of working with children with disabilities and their families
  • Well-developed assessment skills, supportive counselling, and advocacy skills
  • Ability to foster strong relationships with families and community professionals
  • Working knowledge of local early childhood development/support resources
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and excellent oral, and written communication skills
  • Good organization, time, and general management skills
  • Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques
  • Able to work as part of an effective team with other program staff, committee members, community members and other community professionals
  • Ability to work independently while managing concurrent tasks and deadlines, often under pressure
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook
  • Valid BC driver’s license and access to a safe, reliable vehicle

VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate.

We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
ATTN: Doreen Macfarlane, Senior Manager of Indigenous Early Years
Email Subject Line: Aboriginal Infant Development Worker Application

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. Successful candidates will be required to complete a vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check.

VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.