POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Administrator, the ‘Namgis First Nation Community Advocate is responsible for representing the Nation in all child welfare matters pertaining to ‘Namgis children and families. The Community Advocate will be responsible for ensuring that Namgis children and youth in-care across the country have access to their culture, language, families, and community, by working collaboratively with extended family members, caregivers, and social workers. The Community Advocate would also be responsible for participating in safety planning and permanency planning for ‘Namgis children, to ensure that our children’s’ best interests remain at the centre.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Grade 12 or equivalent; a Degree in Social Work an asset.
• At least 2 years experience working with Indigenous children and youth.
• Some experience in the social work field would be an asset.
• A comprehensive knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act, and an Act Respecting First Nation, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, as well as the different types of permanency options.
• Subject to Criminal Records Check review, pertaining to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
• Work hours may include overnights, weekends, and statutory holidays.
• The position requires a lot of travel both within BC and at time, across the country.
  Pay range: $66,048 – $77,532
  If interested, please submit your covering letter and resume (open until filled) to:
  ‘Namgis First Nation, PO Box 210, Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0, or
  by email to: humanresources@namgis.bc.c

• Positively represent ‘Namgis to members and the outside world in all activities.
• Complete Designated Representative Training through Indigenous Perspectives Society.
• Attend court and legal processes (e.g., mediation) regularly, representing the ‘Namgis Nation in child welfare matters. This includes regular travel to attend court or family meetings, when needed.
• Meaningfully participate in safety planning and permanency planning for all ‘Namgis children and youth, by working collaboratively with MCFD and ICFS Agencies.
• Ensure every ‘Namgis child and youth in care has an accurate Cultural Safety Agreement, reviewed, and updated annually.
• Facilitate the Box of Treasures Program for ‘Namgis children and youth in care.
• Facilitate the Cultural Care-Package Program for ‘Namgis children and youth in care.
• Remove barriers for children and youth in care to participate in community events, by working collaboratively with caregivers and social workers; this may include transportation support.
• Advocate for the best interests of ‘Namgis children, youth, and families, especially as it relates to placement priorities with parents, family members, or community members.
• With the assistance of KCFS social workers, organize an annual Welcome Home Camp for all ‘Namgis children and youth in care.
• Build relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the community and ensure that they are meaningfully involved in planning for ‘Namgis children and youth in care.
• Manage program spending within a specific budget and consult with Manager regularly.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.