POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Child and Family Services within the Child and Family Services (CFS) department, the Band Designate is a key role responsible for advocating on behalf of the Nation’s children and families involved with the child welfare system, while providing day-to-day supervision and coordination of Child and Family Services staff and programming.
This is a 6-month term contract to work directly with individuals and families. The expected hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30pm to 4:30pm, but this position will require flexibility for special circumstances and program requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the Nation’s designated representative in all child protection matters involving member children, youth, and families
- Ensures culturally safe, trauma-informed, and Nation-led practices are embedded across services
- Upholds the community’s inherent rights to care for and protect its children
- Acts as the primary point of contact between the Nation and external child welfare agencies
- Build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with individuals and families within the community
- Advocate for community members using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally safe approach that promotes positive outcomes
- Knowledge of, and ability to work in accordance with, the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) and related legislation, policies, and practices
- Identify and respond to safety concerns in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and established protocols
- Collaborate effectively with Family Support Workers, Social Workers, Counsellors, and the Child and Family Services (CFS) team to ensure coordinated and holistic service delivery
- Provide family advocacy and support in partnership with the CFS team, including participation in home visits, case planning, and court-related proceedings as required
- Maintain professional and ethical standards, including appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and respectful interactions that foster trust and dignity
- Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed documentation of client interactions and monthly reports
- Demonstrate familiarity of local and regional service providers (e.g., MCFD, NIȽ TU,O, health, education, legal and housing supports)
- Transport individuals and families as required in the course of duties
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Degree or diploma in Social Work, Indigenous Governance, Child and Youth Care, or a related human services field
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in child and family services, preferably within an Indigenous context
- Knowledge of The Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) and reporting requirements
- Demonstrates ability to maintain an effective work relationship with families, colleagues, service providers, and regulatory program advisors
- Program coordination experience within Indigenous communities
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with other team members
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all data protection standards
- Knowledge and understanding of Songhees Nation culture, heritage, and spirituality as well as the unique circumstances faced by Songhees members and the community
- Valid class 5 BC driver’s license required
- Must be able to provide a clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
- Current First Aid/CPR certificate
Pay: $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
