Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) has employment opportunities for a Female Community Support Worker.  The Community Support Worker will provide outreach and support services for high-risk and vulnerable Indigenous individuals, including youth and families.  Under the direction of the Family Services Manager, the Community Support Worker will deliver 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate positive relationships between individuals accessing services and provide information and direction regarding options available to them.
• Assist in the implementation of programming that will support the engagement of high-risk individuals 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 centered goals that focus on areas they are interested in building skills/knowledge in areas 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.
• Ensure that people are engaged and connected to programming and supports offered through Family Services and outside agencies. Assist people in accessing outside services and working with Family Services team to do referrals and transport people as needed.
• As required, consult with Family Services programs, and other relevant individuals to identify and respond to the needs and goals of individuals, coordinating case consultation when necessary while following TFN procedures.
• Function as a team member of the Family Services department. Attend and positively participate in staff meetings as required.
• You contribute to an environment and seek what is best for individuals so they can flourish and grow in their environment.
• Positively address all concerns, incidents or crises which affect program mandate, TFN policy, personal issues and community relations.
• Respect and assure people of confidentiality in the community and other service professionals.
• Consult with and report to immediate supervisor and prepare and submit reports 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 record keeping legislation as applicable.
• Assist members of the Family Services team in establishing a trusting, non-judgmental, non-exploitative rapport with others.
• Perform other duties that the Family Services Manager deems necessary to ensure the safe, healthy, and productive operation of the program.
• Ability to work in a Community Support capacity as well as a residential support home.
• Perform basic household chores such as cooking, laundry, shopping for food and supplies, yard work, and upkeep of company vehicle while in the residential support home. 

Requirements

• For this position we will only be considering female candidates for the role due to the nature of the position and certain vulnerabilities of this client group. 
• A diploma in Social Work, Addictions/Mental Health, a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working with diverse people, including LGBTQIA2S individuals.
• Ability to treat everyone with fairness and respect in every type of situation.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with in substance use field. Consideration will also be given to individuals with 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 Peoples.
• Demonstrated experience establishing rapport and working effectively with First Nations people, and able to work within a harm reduction environment.
• Must have a broad knowledge of the family and social issues that First Nations individuals face today, including the generational impacts of the residential school systems 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.
• 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 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.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate is an asset.
• Must have a Criminal Record Review Check completed by and satisfactory to TFN.

Working Conditions

The Community Support Worker is required to work flexible hours as placement in the female residential support home may require overnight shifts. Current shift is 7 pm to 7 am. 

Wages:  Pay scale for this position is $25.79 to $27.40 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.