Family Support Workers (2 Positions)

Program: Indigenous Early Years
Status: Two Full-Time, Permanent Positions (BCGEU Union)
Location:

  • Phil Bouvier Family Centre (VAHS Indigenous Early Years), 717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, BC
  • Co-located at a Neighbourhood House or Community Centre in Vancouver

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with some flexibility required
Wage: Starting at $29.70 per hour, plus benefits and pension
Note: Wage is subject to increase pending the new BCGEU Collective Agreement.

About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization that has served the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Indigenous people to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, Dental Clinic, Cultural Programming with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.

About the Roles

VAHS is seeking two Family Support Workers to join the Indigenous Early Years Child and Family Support Program.

The program works in partnership with parents and caregivers to support families with children. Family Support Workers provide a range of supports, including:

  • Peer support and advocacy
  • Parenting skill development
  • Life skills training
  • Connecting families with community-based resources and activities

These positions are co-located within community settings and require travel, including home visits. Each Family Support Worker will manage a dynamic caseload and may occasionally be required to work evenings.

Qualifications

  • Diploma in Human Services or a related field with a minimum of two years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of two years of experience working with Indigenous communities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, values and community supports
  • Experience in assessment, supportive counselling and advocacy
  • Ability to teach life skills, including home management, budgeting and time management
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills
  • Knowledge of early childhood development and community resources
  • Understanding of child welfare systems and Indigenous-specific issues
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Experience facilitating groups and working in community-based settings
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Outlook

Assets

  • Knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Service Act
  • Experience with parenting programs, such as Nobody’s Perfect Parenting
  • Valid BC Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle

What We Offer

  • Union positions with BCGEU
  • Comprehensive benefits and pension after three months
  • Meaningful, community-driven work
  • Supportive and culturally grounded work environment

Equity Statement

VAHS strongly encourages applications from Indigenous applicants, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, in alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

We also encourage applications from people who identify as Black, people of colour, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+.

Applicants are invited to self-identify in their cover letter if they feel comfortable doing so.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format to:

Email: [email protected]
Attention: Doreen Macfarlane, Director of Indigenous Early Years
Subject line: Family Support Worker Application

Successful candidates will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.

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