Job Title: FASD Key Worker
Program: Indigenous Early Years
Location: 717 Princess Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30

Status: Full Time, Temporary (to Sept 6 2024), BCGEU Collective Agreement

Starting Wage: $22.63* + benefits and pension
* subject to increase, pending new BCGEU Collective Agreement

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) FASD Supported Circle is a family-centered program that supports parents and/or caregivers that have a child (0-6 years old) living with FASD. Although the services are directed towards the child, the FASD Key Worker will assist families in acquiring knowledge of the special needs of their child(ren) and to provide a variety of support services to the family, which may include peer support, advocacy, parenting skill development, life skills training, and linking the family in the community-based activities/services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide information and education to parents/caregivers, team members, and the broader community relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and care of FASD
  • Facilitate a Supported Circle group that will provide education and support for families that have children living with FASD
  • Provide strategies and techniques that will increase child(ren)'s potential with FASD
  • Deliver advocacy and outreach support services that will connect families with other families and community agencies
  • Review and evaluate progress of each child and make adjustments, as necessary, in collaboration with involved community professionals and family members. Maintain open and positive communication with parents/caregivers. Request input and participation of parents/caregivers in the development of their child(ren)'s services
  • Through regular outreach visits and/or in other community settings, conduct assessments of each child/family. Assist families in identifying goals and needs for their child(ren) and the means of attaining them
  • Interview clients to prepare case histories and gather background information. Assess whether the needs of the child(ren) and family fall within the mandate of the FASD Supported Circle and make referrals where appropriate
  • Coordinate services, in partnership with family members and community professionals, to ensure that each child's health, social, and educational services needs are met. Promote a family-centered approach to service coordination in the best interest of each child and family
  • Maintain accurate monthly reports and records, ensuring that documentation is confidential, complete, and available to families and involved community professionals
  • Recognize potential crises, analyze such situations accurately, develop management strategies, and inform supervisor when such incidents occur. Respond immediately to emergencies, including incidents of child abuse, in accordance with Ministry of Children and Family Development and VAHS/IEY guidelines
  • Attend regular meetings and foster positive working relationships with team members and community professionals
  • Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Required: Degree-level training in a field related to Infant Development and/or Early Childhood Development (e.g. infant and toddler, nursing, education, psychology, social sciences) — or at least three years' previous experience working with children living with FASD, their families, and other professionals (or a similar environment)
  • Preferred: Direct program delivery experience in the community social service sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of family-centered care, early intervention child development, and community-based programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of the stages of early childhood development and local supports/resources
  • Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, issues, and support services
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of children with disabilities and their families
  • Well-developed assessment, supportive counselling, and advocacy skills
  • Ability to foster strong relationships with families and community professionals
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Good organization, time, and general management skills
  • Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques
  • Ability to work as part of an effective team with other program staff, committee members, community members, and other community professionals
  • Ability to function independently while managing concurrent tasks and deadlines, often under pressure
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook
  • A willingness to pursue further education/training, if required
  • Knowledge of the Child, Family, and Community Services Act, related legislation/policies, and provincial/other government systems would be an asset
  • A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a safe, reliable vehicle would be an asset

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, Director of Indigenous Early Years
Email Subject Line: FASD Key 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.

The information in this job posting is subject to change, consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the BCGEU Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.