FAMILY PRESERVATION WORKER -FAMILY PRESERVATION

Comox Valley Family Services Association
Reports to: Program Manager
We are proud and honoured to offer services on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the K’ómoks, Puntledge and E’iksan First Nations.

OPPORTUNITY:

Comox Valley Family Services Association (CVFSA) is seeking an experienced and qualified Family Preservation Worker to fill in a contracted part time (5-8hours/ weekly) position, with potential to increase hours.
The Family Preservation Worker (FPW) assists children, youth and families involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
This role requires an Indigenous-centered approach and working knowledge of trauma-informed practices. You will join us with an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the historic and current impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples of Canada. In order to serve our community better, we will give preference to qualified self-identifying Indigenous candidates.

REQUIREMENTS:

· Degree preferred or Diploma in Human/ Social Services or a related field may be considered.
· A minimum of 2 years of recent experience providing direct supervision and services to families and caregivers.
· Experience working alongside the Ministry of Children and Family Development is an asset
· Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening
· Valid First Aid certificate
· Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence, clean driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle
· Experience working with Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit)
· Basic knowledge of the CFCSA Child welfare Act, Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework in British Columbia, and the Rights of the Child
· Ability to coach parents/caregivers to increase their confidence and competence in identifying and responding to their child’s needs
· Ability to communicate clearly and create relationships with Social Workers as well as families (children, youth, and adults)
· Physical ability to carry a child in a car seat

SKILLS YOU BRING:

• Knowledge of child development, positive parenting, and family dynamics.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills and ability to manage conflict.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Desire to work in non-profit sector and understanding of child welfare
• Ability to work with a trauma informed and strength based lens
• Strong professional and personal boundaries
• Strong ability to adapt and be flexible
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team/excellent interpersonal skills.
• Respect for and sensitivity to the needs and rights of others, including those with differing cultural, racial, sexual, or ethnic identities.
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Physical demands- ability to lift weight of car seat (transportation of children). May participate in recreational/social/educational activities with clients involving moderate physical exertion. Report writing/sitting at a computer for periods of time.
• Follows CVFSA polices, including but not limited to code of ethics, code of conduct, confidentiality, respectful workplace, gossip and rumors, health and safety; bullying and harassment.
• May assist with training new staff

· Schedule, supervise, and document parent-child interactions in a safe, secure, and supportive environment.
· Provide coaching, modelling and education within supervised access settings.
· Provide transportation services for children and youth who may have behavioural challenges and developmental disabilities.
· Support children and families to promote, strengthen, and nurture appropriate, positive relationships with one another.
· Set up and clean up visit space
· Assess, intervene and guide interactions during visits to ensure safety and wellbeing of the children.
· Effectively communicate with Social Workers and Program Manager.
· Provide timely reports and be prepared to testify about this in court, if subpoenaed.
· Maintain files in accordance with agency policy and accreditation standards.
· This position involves flexible hours that may include evening and weekend hours.
· On the case management system (CAMS), the Family Preservation Worker develops a service plan that reflects the goals in the family plan, and writes daily reports.
· The FPW is an integral part of the Family Services team. The FPW may participate in Integrated Case Management (ICM’s), Family Case Planning Conference (FCPC), Family Group Conference (FGC) and Youth Transition Conference (YTC) meetings.
· Performs other duties as required.