Position Title: COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORKER
Reports to: Manager, Social Services
Job Overview
Reporting to the Manager, Social Services, the Community Social Worker delivers a broad range of direct support, advocacy, and intervention services to children, youth and families. This includes assessing needs and developing care plans; assisting the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society (NIFCS) when they are involved; advocating for and provide support to members with internal and external entities such as Northern Health, Housing, Income Assistance, CPP, FNHA and similar; and reviewing and supporting the HAISLA Emergency Resource Support (HERS).
To ensure the well-being, safety and stability of children and youth, while also supporting family cohesion and resilience, the Community Social Worker will work collaboratively with other service providers, community members and external agencies.
Organizational Status
The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 1962+ people, with approximately 532 living in Haisla (Kitamaat Village). We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of children, youth, and families to identify needs, strengths, and risks.
- Participate in child welfare meetings, planning and implementing of plans in collaboration with assisting the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society (NIFCS).
- Provide guidance and mentorship to families and caregivers in the areas of information, navigation, education, resources and skill development.
- Advocate on behalf of children, youth, and families within the community and in interactions with external agencies to ensure they receive appropriate services and support.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans that address identified needs, including safety measures, therapeutic services, and support for family reunification when appropriate.
- Facilitate family meetings, mediation sessions, and therapeutic interventions to resolve conflicts and strengthen family relationships.
- Respond to crisis situations, providing immediate support and coordinating with emergency services when necessary.
- Connect families with community resources, such as housing assistance, financial support, education, healthcare and legal services.
- Organize community outreach activities to raise awareness about available services and resources for children, youth, and families.
- Promote the cultural, social, and economic well-being of families through a coordinated network of services and supports.
- Ensure empowerment of individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to achieve personal and family success.
- Foster the preservation and strengthening of family bonds, ensuring that children grow up in safe, loving, and supportive environments.
- Foster a sense of community, cultural identity, and resilience among Haisla children, youth, and families.
- Practice land-based healing through activities such as gardening, harvesting, ceremonies, and traditional teachings to promote the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of members.
- Collect data and resources for Land-based Healing.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of member interactions, assessments, and services provided, always ensuring confidentiality.
- Prepare regular reports on service delivery, outcomes, and community needs for internal review and external reporting purposes.
- Ensure compliance with the Haisla Nation Council’s policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field.
- 5 to 7 years of recent experience in social work, with a focus on child, youth, and family services.
- Experience in crisis intervention, case management, and counseling.
- Strong understanding of child and family development, mental health, substance abuse, and trauma-informed care.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, best practices related to child protection, family law, and social services.
- Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization is an asset.
- Experience in and extensive knowledge about land-based healing.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging situations.
- Compassionate, empathetic, and patient with a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of children, youth, and families.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) and various databases, search engines and outlook/email.
- Experience in change management and organizational development.
- Valid BC driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
- Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).
Salary Range: $40.14 - $47.22/hr
Position Type: Full-time, permanent
Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
