• Have a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous children and their families
• Join a holistic workplace with a wide host of benefits and an inclusive environment
• Build a rewarding career in the social service sector

About the Organization

Founded in 2011, the Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS) is an Indigenous organization providing services and programs for our communities in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, to acknowledge our past, present, and future generations.

Our services are designed to answer the needs of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and promote a sense of belonging and the space to connect and celebrate. Through our Family Strengthening, Support and Healing Circles, Supportive Family Access, Indigenous Early Years, and Housing Outreach programs, we foster an environment where communities of self-determined Indigenous peoples can live collaboratively.

For more information, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

FRIS currently has an opportunity for a Supported Access Worker to join our team on a full-time basis (35 hours, Tuesday-Saturday), in Maple Ridge. 

In this role, you will provide a safe and culturally relevant space for the purpose of visitation. You will help facilitate positive visits between family members to maintain significant relationships in the child’s life, thus reducing the trauma of separation. Along with supporting the child’s safe connections to family, you will provide the parents/caregivers with support and education. 

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Consulting with the inter-agency team, family, and caregivers to plan, coordinate, and schedule supervised access visits
• Setting up visit space with age-appropriate activities, mindful of the child’s development stage
• Observing and objectively documenting supervised access visits and interactions
• Preparing visitation reports, incident reports, case histories, feedback, and other documentation
• Maintaining program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research
• Ensuring the confidentiality of all information relating to participants, personnel, volunteers, and the organization
• Communicating with family members, caregivers, and social workers to develop individual goals for families referred to the program
• Providing opportunities for parents to learn and practice parenting skills, build attachment, and receive feedback on their progress
• Supporting parents/caregivers to strengthen children/youth cultural and family connections to meet their emotional and developmental needs in a safe environment
• Organizing and providing consistent and safe transportation services for access visits when required
• Monitoring and, if necessary, intervening with a parent and/or child who demonstrates inappropriate physical or verbal behaviours
• Collaborating with community elders to facilitate teaching with families, where needed
• Using cultural practices that focus on the mind, emotion, body, and spirit, and which recognize family strengths and assets
• Attending community engagement meetings as required

About You

To qualify, you will have a Degree or Diploma in Human/Social Services or a related field, as well as a minimum 2 years of recent experience providing direct supervision and services to families and caregivers. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered

This role requires an Indigenous-centered approach and working knowledge of trauma-informed practices. You will join us with an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the historic and current impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples of Canada. In order to serve our community better, we will give preference to qualified self-identifying Indigenous candidates.

The successful candidate will also possess:

• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Valid First Aid certificate
• Valid Class 5 BC driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle
• Experience working with Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit)
• Basic knowledge of the CFCSA Child welfare Act, family law, and the Rights of the Child
• Ability to coach parents/caregivers to increase their confidence and competence in identifying and responding to their child’s needs
• Ability to communicate clearly and create relationships with social workers as well as families (children, youth, and adults)
• Proficiency with various computer software, including Office 365
• Physical ability to carry a child in a car seat

You are an ethical problem solver who is truly passionate about culture-centred family development, and is focused on supporting children and their families, and fostering long-lasting relationships within the community.

Furthermore, you are organized and able to work with minimal supervision, able to make mature decisions without guidance. Your conflict resolution skills and your ability to remain calm and take action in crisis situations, are pivotal to your success in this role.

About the Benefits

You will be rewarded with an attractive $26.85-$29.60/hour, evaluated on skills, education, and experience, as well as the following benefits:

• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• RRSP matching
• 3 weeks vacation to start
• 10 sick days a year
• Company cellphone and laptop
• Training & Development on the field
• Be the catalyst of change in delivering programs that provide long term support to families and communities

If your passion resonates with our mission in building stronger connections within the communities we serve, don't miss out on this truly rewarding opportunity to make a difference - apply today!