Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) has employment opportunities for one full time Outreach Worker.  The Outreach Worker will provide outreach services for high-risk and vulnerable Indigenous individuals, including youth and families.  Under the direction of the Family Service Manager, the Outreach Worker will develop a comprehensive support program for individuals within and connected to TFN. The goal of the program is to build protective factors and mitigate risk factors for vulnerable people through building trust, self-esteem, and a sense of connection to the community to reduce social isolation.

Objectives

• To use non-formal education techniques to build connection to community
• To support youth and families to engage in leadership roles so that they can begin to see themselves as leaders
• To build connections to youth, individuals and families to discuss impacts of mental health and substance use with a focus on wellness and stabilization
• To build life-skills and coping skills so that individuals can learn how to cope with issues without relying on substances

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and develop programming that will support the engagement of high-risk youth who are using substances and disconnected from the community in one-to-one supports or small group programs
• Build programming that will focus on a strengths-based approach to building resiliency and self-esteem
• Assist people in identifying individual plans and client centred goals that focus on areas they are interested in building skills/knowledge in such as: life skills, leadership skills, self-esteem, financial skills, obtaining and maintaining housing, educational, social, recreational, and safety needs and safe health practices
• Assist people in learning more about and/or connecting with TFN cultural practices, and traditions
• Design and deliver workshops on a variety of issues that are relevant to vulnerable youth and families
• Build and maintain a network of positive working relationships with other TFN departments and outside service providers to ensure effective referrals and a good continuum of care for youth
• Ensure that youth and families are engaged and connected to programming and supports offered through TFN and outside agencies
• Provide interim support and services to youth and families who are on waitlists for outside services
• As required, consult with TFN programs, and other relevant individuals to identify and respond to the needs and goals of individuals, coordinating case consultation when necessary following TFN procedures
• Function as a team member of the Family Service department. Attend and positively participate in staff meetings as required
• Keep abreast of all current social concerns and street trends and as required attend professional development activities to remain informed regarding issues affecting substance-involved youth and adults
• Respect and assure youth and families of confidentiality in the community and with other service professionals
• Consult with and report to immediate supervisor, and prepare and submit reports to supervisors, as required
• Maintain accurate client files along with all required forms, compile statistical records to support program needs and inform ongoing program development and evaluation
• Ensure client files are kept in accordance with TFN Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act and other records keeping legislation that applies
• Assist other involved TFN teams in establishing a trusting, non-judgmental, non-exploitative rapport with youth and families
• As required, perform any other duty that the Family Services Manager deems necessary to ensure the safe, healthy, and productive operation of the program

Qualifications

• A diploma in Social Work, Addictions/Mental Health, or relevant field
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with youth/families. Or a combination of a relevant experience combined with education; lived experience combined with education in areas of mental health and substance use; substance use certificate & mental health first aid; and/or a combination of relevant education & experience working with vulnerable Indigenous people. Preference will be given to those with experience in mental health and substance use
• Demonstrated experience establishing rapport and working effectively with Indigenous youth, and individuals who are substance involved
• Must have experience advocating with external service providers for youth and families who should be receiving additional support
• Must have a broad-based knowledge of the family and social issues that Indigenous youth face today, including the generational impacts of the residential school system on First Nation families and communities, and a good understanding of First Nation (Coast Salish) cultures and traditions
• Ability to develop and facilitate workshops and groups on a variety of issues to a diverse audience
• Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Delta, particularly youth & Indigenous-specific resources. Knowledge of Fraser Health and MCFD preferred
• Demonstrated self-initiative, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to identify with the mandate, policies and procedures of the organization
• Must possess a strong working knowledge of computer systems and programs, social media, and technology that youth access  
• Must have strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to compile accurate records and prepare reports. Must be able to keep excellent client records
• First Aid and Food Safe certification are assets; must be willing to obtain certification if provided the opportunity
• Must have experience working from a harm reduction approach
• Must have a valid BC Class 5 driver’s license, preference for those with a Class 4 license
• Must have a Criminal Record Review Check completed by and satisfactory to TFN
• Given the needs of youth accessing our services, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants

Working Conditions

The Outreach Worker is required to work Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. There will be flexibility required for the position and the hours and days of work may change to meet operational needs or the health and wellness needs of the youth and community.

Wages

Pay scale for this position is $33.26 to $37.17 per hour with excellent benefits including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan. Placement within the pay scale is based on a review of skills, experience & internal equity. 

Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.

We wish to thank all interested applicants; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.