Job Description: Complex Behaviours Support Worker
JOB SUMMARY
The goals of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs are focused on providing culturally safe, family-centered services for Indigenous children aged 0–6 and their families. Programs aim to support healthy beginnings using strength-based approaches that honour culture, community, and family capacity while meeting developmental needs in a culturally appropriate manner.
The Complex Behaviours Support Worker provides direct support to children, youth, and families experiencing complex developmental, behavioural, social, emotional, or neurodevelopmental challenges, including (but not limited to) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), trauma impacts, and other multi-domain developmental conditions.
This position works closely with caregivers, families, and multidisciplinary partners to enhance child and family well-being through behavioural support strategies, in-home and community-based guidance, parenting support, education, advocacy, and service navigation. The worker also assists families in understanding assessment and diagnostic processes, implementing behavioural and developmental strategies, and accessing appropriate community resources.
This role supports a holistic wellness approach using Indigenous cultural teachings that recognize the interconnectedness of mind, body, emotion, and spirit.
REPORTS TO
ECD Program Manager and Executive Director
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Family & Direct Support
- Build and maintain supportive, respectful, and trusting relationships with families and caregivers.
- Provide one-to-one and family support for children and youth exhibiting complex behaviours or developmental challenges.
- Provide in-home, community, and program-based behavioural support and coaching for caregivers.
- Assist families in developing practical strategies for behaviour regulation, parenting approaches, safety planning, and daily routines.
- Support caregivers in understanding developmental challenges and implementing individualized support strategies.
- Conduct home visits and complete developmental and behavioural screening tools (e.g., Ages & Stages Questionnaire) and support monitoring of progress.
- Attend appointments, school meetings, and case conferences as requested to advocate for families and ensure coordinated care.
- Assist families in navigating early intervention, assessment, diagnosis processes, and school transition planning.
Behavioural & Developmental Support
- Provide education, coaching, and skill-building related to complex behaviours, emotional regulation, and developmental needs.
- Collaborate with caregivers and professionals to develop and implement individualized support plans.
- Support children and youth with challenges in self-regulation, communication, social skills, safety awareness, and adaptive functioning.
- Apply trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and strengths-based practices in all service delivery.
Cultural & Community Integration
- Promote and support traditional cultural teachings and practices for families, agency programs, and the broader community.
- Incorporate Seven Sacred Teachings, Medicine Wheel teachings, and culturally grounded approaches to healing and wellness.
- Develop and deliver culturally appropriate education and training to increase community readiness and understanding of complex behaviours and developmental challenges.
- Support and participate in cultural programming including Elders’ teachings, ceremonies, and family gatherings.
Collaboration & Community Partnerships
- Maintain strong liaison and collaboration with health, education, and social service professionals supporting Indigenous families.
- Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary professionals including CDBC programs, BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill, Asante Centre, schools, and community agencies.
- Make appropriate referrals for specialized assessment, counselling, or additional supports as required.
- Collaborate with ECD, AIDP, and Family Development teams by providing behavioural education and support presentations.
Program Coordination & Administration
- Maintain accurate client records, case notes, data tracking, and documentation in accordance with confidentiality standards.
- Prepare required monthly and annual program reports and statistics.
- Manage client scheduling and coordination of services.
- Assist with program planning, promotion, budgeting, petty cash, and supply purchasing.
- Support development and facilitation of group programs related to complex behaviours and caregiver support.
- Assist ECD Program Manager with administrative duties including reporting and grant proposals as required.
Agency Participation
- Participate in agency programs such as (but not limited to): Building Healthy Relationships with Our Children, Hasé, ECD Drop-In, New Parent Groups, Father Involvement Programs, Aboriginal Mother Goose, and Elders’ sessions.
- Participate in agency events and planning including Mini-Teaching Pow-wow, Aboriginal Day Celebrations, Welcome Home Ceremonies, Family Nights, and Family Christmas Gatherings.
- Participate in team meetings, agency meetings, cultural training, and professional development.
Safety, Policy & Compliance
- Adhere to Spirit of the Children Society policies, procedures, health and safety standards, and licensing requirements.
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment in compliance with WCB and occupational health and safety standards.
- Maintain health records and administer first aid and medications where required.
- Observe and report hazards or concerns and follow procedures related to child safety and mandatory reporting.
- Comply with all legal and licensing requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Development, Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Nursing, or a related human services field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience supporting children, youth, and families with complex developmental and behavioural needs.
- Experience supporting families affected by FASD, neurodevelopmental conditions, or trauma preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and family-centered care principles.
- Experience working in community-based or Indigenous service settings considered an asset.
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Valid Food Safe Certificate
Skills and Attributes
- Strong assessment, supportive counselling, advocacy, and behavioural support skills.
- Ability to develop practical and individualized behavioural strategies for families.
- Experience facilitating groups and delivering educational workshops.
- Strong understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, values, and traditions.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Valid BC Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and willingness to obtain business insurance.
- Driver’s Abstract required.
- Criminal Record Check required.
- Knowledge of Indigenous communities and service providers within Circle 6 considered an asset.
If capacity challenges arise, candidates with strong related experience and demonstrated potential may be considered for mentorship into the position. Mentored candidates will have up to two years to meet required educational milestones established by the ECD Program Manager.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a full-time position during the contract year from April 1 – March 31 and is dependent upon negotiated funding.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.20 – $33.50 per hour
Benefits: Can begin after 6 month probationary period is passed
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- 35 hours per week
- Typical shifts: 8:30am–4:00pm or 9:00am–4:30pm
Work Location: In person
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Workers must be aware of the potential for allegations and conduct themselves in a professional manner where behaviours and actions cannot be misinterpreted. Staff must follow safety guidelines and take precautionary measures to ensure personal and client safety, particularly when working with clients who may exhibit aggressive or escalated behaviours.
Workers must maintain strict confidentiality, complete annual criminal record checks, and demonstrate sensitivity to diversity among clients, co-workers, and the community.
This position may involve exposure to high levels of noise, active environments, and moderate physical activity including walking, standing, bending, and lifting children.
TO APPLY:
Send an email with your cover letter, resume and three references to [email protected] Candidates of Indigenous ancestry strongly encouraged to apply; please self-identify in your cover letter.
Pay: $30.20-$33.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
