Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a proud Coast Salish nation with our land base situated in Tsawwassen, B.C. on the Salish Sea, near the mouth of the Fraser River. In 2009, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement came into effect –the first modern urban treaty in BC. TFN is a self-governing First Nation with a busy Government Services department.  The department plays a key role in supporting the elected leadership of Tsawwassen Government, including managing meetings for the Tsawwassen Legislature and the Advisory Council.  Additionally, the department manages communications and information management functions for Tsawwassen Government.

TFN has an exciting and immediate opportunity for a Child and Family Services Worker to join our Health & Social Services team. The Child and Family Services Worker will administer components of the Health and Social Services Program according to the legislation and regulations of the Tsawwassen First Nation, under the direction of the Manager of Health and Social Services. TFN is looking for someone with a strong background in Child Protection Social Work to help support initiatives to keep families together and supported, and to consult with community to develop alternative child protection policy to meet this mandate. Current practice models will be non-delegated program support services and initiatives. This position will liaise with various TFN departments, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Education, and Health and Social Services as well as working with external partners such as MCFD and local police.

This position will have the opportunity to contribute to the exciting time of growth for TFN child welfare reform.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acting as TFN’s primary contact for MCFD cases; managing case files and keeping updated with families involved with MCFD;
• Flexibility within schedule to meet emerging needs
• Collaboration with HSS staff and support services contractors to meet community needs related to MCFD involvement, including supported visits and respite services.
• Acting as an advocate for TFN members in working with MCFD
• Interacting with all clients in a respectful and impartial manner
• Developing and maintaining current and accurate client files including but not limited to intake, consent and confidentiality forms, client care/case plans, progress reports, assessments, and any other relevant paperwork
• Ensuring strict confidentiality of all personal knowledge relating to clients and their families and maintaining confidentiality of all client records and files, unless the release of specific information is required by law
• Providing input into the development of Tsawwassen First Nation policies

• Representing the interests of the Tsawwassen First Nation at meetings, committees, conferences or workshops where applicable
• Complying with relevant service standards, policies and legislative requirements
• Making active referrals to appropriate family counseling resources and other community services
• Research and build connections with other Nations who are engaging in Delegated Child Protection and Prevention work

Qualifications or Experience:

• Social Work degree or similar human services degree or diploma from a University or College of recognized standing
• At least 2 years of relevant Social Worker experience
• Direct experience working with and for Indigenous communities
• Demonstrated practical experience in exercising independent judgment and initiative
• Comprehensive understanding of the Child, Family and Community Service Act of BC
• Comprehensive understanding of the ongoing history of settler-colonialism in Canada including the role and place of child protection in this history
• Understanding of duty to report and working from high ethical standards
• Ability to work from a client-centered, strength based and trauma informed, decolonizing perspective
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work as an effective team member and interact effectively with other service providers and agencies with the ability to work in a cross-organizational, in cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural decision-making environments
• Demonstrated goal setting, critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills with very strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with report writing, policy writing, case and file management, and program administration skills. Team leader and supervision experience preferred
• Ability to effectively use MS Office software and other computer programs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of First Nations communities and culture, particularly Tsawwassen First Nation or Coast Salish
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and meet required deadlines
• Ability to work in a changing/evolving program/department environment; ability to work under pressure and demonstrated ability to respond with tact and poise to sensitive, challenging and complex matters.

Wages: 

$43 per hour and includes a comprehensive benefits package including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan.

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

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.