Gitsegukla First Nation
Position Overview:
The Indigenous Family Empowerment Coordinator is a key figure in enhancing the well-being and development of children and families in the Gitsegukla First Nation community. The primary objective is to enhance the safety and well-being of children by empowering families and communities. This position will focus on implementing preventative measures to ensure the retention of Gitsegukla children in their community, providing parenting education and support, and collaborating with delegated agencies to address complex family situations.
General duties include:
Program Development and Management:
- Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and support groups to educate parents and caregivers on effective parenting techniques and child development practices.
- Create culturally relevant parenting resources and materials to empower families to nurture healthy and supportive environments for their children.
- Provide one-on-one counseling and coaching to parents, offering personalized guidance based on their unique needs.
- Develop and implement child and family services programs and initiatives in collaboration with community leaders and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure that programs are culturally sensitive, reflect the needs of the community, and comply with applicable legislation and funding requirements.
- Monitor program effectiveness, evaluate outcomes, and make recommendations for improvement.
Case Management and Support:
- Assess the needs and strengths of children and families, and develop individualized service plans in consultation with families, community members, and relevant professionals.
- Provide guidance, support, and advocacy to families involved in child and family services, including child protection, family support, and adoption.
- Collaborate with external agencies, such as social workers, counselors, and healthcare professionals, to coordinate services and ensure the best interests of the children and families are met.
- Conduct regular meetings with parents to address their concerns and ensure ongoing support and engagement.
- Work closely with schools and educators to identify and address any academic or behavioral challenges children may face.
- Advocate for children's needs within the educational system and ensure their access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
- Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and support groups to educate parents and caregivers on effective parenting techniques and child development practices.
- Create culturally relevant parenting resources and materials to empower families to nurture healthy and supportive environments for their children.
- Provide one-on-one counseling and coaching to parents, offering personalized guidance based on their unique needs.
Crisis Intervention and Support:
- Respond promptly to crises and emergency situations involving children and families in the community.
- Offer emotional support and assistance to families facing challenges and advocate for their rights within the child welfare system.
- Work collaboratively with other service providers, including mental health professionals, counselors, and healthcare workers, to address the diverse needs of families.
Community Engagement and Collaboration:
- Foster positive relationships with community members, leaders, and Elders, respecting and incorporating cultural practices and traditions.
- Collaborate with other departments within the Gitsegukla First Nation to integrate child and family services with broader community initiatives and programs.
- Act as a liaison between the Gitsegukla First Nation and external agencies, advocating for the needs and rights of children and families.
Training and Education:
- Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and support groups to educate parents and caregivers on effective parenting techniques and child development practices.
- Create culturally relevant parenting resources and materials to empower families to nurture healthy and supportive environments for their children.
- Provide one-on-one counseling and coaching to parents, offering personalized guidance based on their unique needs.
- Develop and deliver culturally appropriate training programs and workshops for community members, families, and professionals to enhance knowledge and skills related to child and family services.
- Stay up to date with relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in the field of child and family services and share this information with the community and staff.
Administration and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of all client interactions, services provided, and program activities.
- Prepare regular reports on program outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
- Manage program budgets and ensure efficient use of resources.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Manager
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Child Welfare Systems: Demonstrated understanding of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures, particularly related to the protection and well-being of children and families.
- Cultural Competence: Proficiency in the cultural practices, values, and traditions of Indigenous communities, and the ability to apply culturally sensitive approaches to service delivery.
- Child Development: Knowledge of child development stages, milestones, and age-appropriate behaviors to assess and address the needs of children and families.
- Parenting Techniques: Familiarity with effective parenting techniques and strategies to support parents and caregivers in nurturing healthy family dynamics.
- Crisis Intervention: Understanding of crisis intervention techniques and the ability to respond to emergencies in a calm and effective manner.
- Community Resources: Awareness of available community resources, support services, and agencies to connect families with appropriate assistance and support.
- Data Management: Proficiency in maintaining accurate records, collecting data, and generating reports to track program outcomes and measure the impact of interventions.
Skills:
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with families, community members, agency representatives, and other professionals.
- Empathy: Demonstrated ability to show empathy, understanding, and sensitivity while working with families experiencing challenging situations.
- Active Listening: Skill in actively listening to families, understanding their concerns, and offering appropriate guidance and support.
- Collaboration: Ability to collaborate and work effectively with other professionals, agencies, and community partners to provide comprehensive services.
- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to assess complex family situations and develop appropriate intervention plans.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Skill in adapting interventions and services to respect and incorporate the cultural values and beliefs of Gitsegukla families.
- Time Management: Efficiently manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
Abilities:
- Relationship Building: Ability to build trusting and respectful relationships with families and stakeholders, fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.
- Advocacy: Capability to advocate for the best interests of children and families, both within the community and within child welfare systems.
- Resilience: Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations, maintain composure during crises, and provide consistent support to families.
- Flexibility: Adaptability to work in dynamic environments, adjust intervention strategies as needed, and respond to changing circumstances.
- Cultural Resilience: Ability to promote and strengthen the cultural resilience of Indigenous families, preserving their identity and connection to their community.
- Empowerment: Skill in empowering families to take an active role in decision-making processes and advocating for their needs and rights.
- Continuous Learning: Willingness to stay updated on child welfare best practices, cultural awareness, and relevant research to enhance service delivery.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Degree or bachelor’s in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
- Three to Five years in experience of delivery or social services associated with child and family services. An equivalent education and experience may be considered.
- Proven experience in child welfare, family services, or community outreach, particularly with
Indigenous communities.
- Strong understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, traditions, and values.
- Knowledge of parenting techniques, child development, and family dynamics.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Empathetic and non-judgmental approach to working with families in crisis.
- Ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with community stakeholders, agencies, and service providers.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in data management and report writing.
- Family Support Training and Home Visitor Training & Non-Violent Crisis Intervention are an asset.
- Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s license and reliable working vehicle
- Other Requirements
- Must review and follow all Gitsegukla Policies and Procedures
- Ability to undergo an appropriate criminal records review and police record check successfully and periodically is required
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $20.00-$35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Gitsegukla, BC V0J 2J3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
