EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Substance Use Support Coordinator

Regular Full Time

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a proud Coast Salish nation with our land base situated in Tsawwassen, B.C. In 2009, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement came into effect – this treaty was the first modern urban treaty in BC and the first treaty to be successfully negotiated through the BC Treaty Commission process. The Treaty provides us municipal, provincial and federal types of jurisdiction over a land base of 724 hectares.

Tsawwassen First Nation also became a full member of Metro Vancouver, the first First Nation to do so.  We are now going through a period of revival and renewal as we plan our future and seek opportunities to sustain our growth physically, economically and culturally, for present and future generations.

TFN has an exciting and immediate opportunity for a Substance Use Support Coordinator to join our Health team. This position will have the opportunity to contribute to the exciting time of growth for the TFN Community.

Position Summary:

The Substance Use Support Coordinator works within a trauma informed, client and family centered model within a harm-reduction framework. The Substance Use Support Coordinator will provide supports and services to clients struggling with unmanaged substance use issues. This includes assisting in transition planning to and from treatment, post treatment supports, and supporting clients with managing their substance use. Monitors, documents and provides support to clients.  Assists with basic living skills and system navigation.  The Substance Use Support Worker will support TFN community members to remain active, healthy members of the TFN community. The position is part of a multi-disciplinary department that supports TFN families through outreach and in a case management role.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of programming that will support the engagement of youth, adults and elders who are struggling with substance use through 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 clients in identifying individual plans and client centered goals that focus on areas clients are interested in changing in their substance use; but can include other issues such as life skills, self-esteem, financial skills, obtaining and maintaining housing, and safety needs and safe health practices
• Assist clients in learning more about and/or connecting with TFN cultural practices, and traditions/healing 

• Provide information and education on substance interactions, impacts of different substances on the brain and body, how to support family members struggling with substance use issues
• 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. This includes attending and sitting on substance use and mental health community committees/ working groups
• Ensure that clients are engaged and connected to programming and supports offered through HSS and outside agencies. Assist clients in accessing outside services, working with HSS team to do referrals, and transporting clients when needed
• Provide interim support and services to clients who are on wait lists for outside services
• As required, consult with HSS programs, and other relevant individuals to identify and respond to the needs and goals of individual clients, coordinating case consultation when necessary following TFN procedures
• Function as a team member of the Health department in collaboration with the Family Services department. Attend and positively participate in staff meetings as required
• Keep abreast of all current social concerns, various modalities of substance use treatments and street trends and as required attend professional development activities in order to remain informed regarding issues relevant to providing services to TFN members
• Positively address all concerns, incidents or crises which affect program mandate, TFN policy, personal issues, and community relations
• Respect and assure clients 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 members of the Health and Family Services team in establishing a trusting, non-judgmental, non-exploitative rapport with clients. As required, perform any other duty that the Substance Use Support Supervisor deems necessary to ensure the safe, healthy, and productive operation of the program

Qualifications

• A diploma in Social Work, or in Addictions/Mental Health
• A minimum of two years’ experience working in substance use field. We will also accept applications from people with the following: 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 Aboriginal adults
• Demonstrated experience establishing rapport and working effectively with First Nations adults, and clients who are substance involved
• Must have experience advocating with external service providers for clients who should be receiving additional support
• Must have a broad based knowledge of the family and social issues that First Nations families 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 Aboriginal-specific resources. Knowledge of Fraser Health 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
• 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 a valid BC Class 5 driver’s license, preference for those with a Class 4 license
• Must have a personal self-care plan in place. Must have a Criminal Record Review Check completed by and satisfactory to TFN

Working Conditions

Reporting to the Substance Use Support Supervisor, the Substance Use Support Coordinator is required to work full-time (37.5) hours per week. There will be flexibility required for the position and the hours and days of work may change based on operational needs or to meet the health and wellness needs of the community. Some evening, weekend and on-call work required

Wages:  Pay scale for this position is $33.26 to $35.22 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. 

We wish to thank all interested applicants; 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.