Resources Social Worker, Home Studies Focus

at  Vancouver Aboriginal Child Family Services Society

Position: Resources Social Worker, Home Studies Focus
Status: Part-time 21 hours per week, 24 Month Term
Department: Resources
Location: 3284 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Classification: Delegated Social Worker Grid 21 – Grid 24 (+1TMA)

Salary: $38.19 to $48.88 per hour

• Engage in restorative child welfare practice with Vancouver’s Indigenous community!
• Receive a competitive salary of $38.19 to $48.88 per hour PLUS a comprehensive benefits package!
• Take on a challenging role that provides membership in the Public Service Pension Plan!

JOB SUMMARY:

Resources is responsible for the administration and management of foster homes for VACFSS. This responsibility involves recruiting, training, supporting, and monitoring Indigenous foster caregivers as well as non-Indigenous caregivers who have a connection to the Indigenous community. The mission of the Resources Program is to provide safe alternative care for Indigenous children in care that promotes and respects their cultural identity. Resources facilitates a Cultural Education Program, Caregiver Education Program, specialized caregiver training, caregiver self-help, and in home support services.
The Resources Social Worker (RSW) reports to a Resources Team Leader and works in partnership with VACFSS’s Child Protection and Guardianship programs. The RSW Home Study Writer conducts holistic home studies to ensure that caregivers understand and meet the Family Care Home Standards.
The position requires the RSW to conduct and write Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home studies. This standardized Home Study methodology is used by both private and public welfare agencies to study and evaluate perspective adoptive, kin, and foster families. SAFE aids the RSW in performing a thorough, structured, and uniform evaluation of families who have applied to foster at VACFSS. It is a collaborative process with the Caregiver Applicant to help identify an Applicant’s ability to provide safe and effective care to a foster child.
The SAFE Home Study process entails very personal, respectful, and in-depth conversations in the Applicant’s home of all the adults and children living in the home. The RSW will also observe the Applicant’s family interactions during the home visits. The SAFE Home Study often takes between four to eight lengthy meetings to complete, or 50-60 total hours, depending on the number of people in the home.
The goal of this service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child. This goal is enacted in practice by:
1. Gathering the Circle;
2. Listening, Assessing and Finding Solutions;
3. Creating Security, Belonging and Well-being;
4. Keeping the Circle Strong
The position monitors services provided, supports the resource providers, and liaises with internal staff for the safety and wellbeing of children. The goal of the service is to provide the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the child in care. Conducting home studies and making recommendations for approval, and liaising with non- contract resources, may be required.
The RSW will be expected to develop and utilize a restorative practice approach that is guided by VACFSS’ values, the CFCSA, AOPSI, Resources Policy and Procedures, Chapter 8, Foster Caregiver Handbook, Standards for Foster
Caregivers, and VACFSS’ framework, expectations for Inclusive Foster Care and Bill C-92 as it relates to the recruitment, support, and retention of Indigenous foster caregivers.
A complete job description will be provided to candidates at the time of interview.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master in a related human services field or;
• A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or;
• A Bachelor degree specializing in a related human services field with 2 years of recent and related experience to child welfare.
• Minimum of C3 Delegation required.
• Three years of experience in Resources with specific experience completing home studies.
• Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) Home Study training preferred or will be provided.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.

Key Competencies:

• Relational Engagement
• Leadership
• Collaborative Planning and Decision Making
• Emotional Competency
• Resilience
• Cultural, Spiritual Expression

Note:

• Applications will be accepted from applicants of all staff
• This position requires Union membership.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle with business class insurance are required to perform the duties of this position.

Please refer the Job description for details