Position Title:    FAMILY PRESERVATION WORKER

Reports to:         Manager, Social Services

Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Social Services, the Family Preservation Worker is accountable for the day-to-day support and programming to individuals, families, and Haisla community members, helping them build the skills and capacity to maintain safe, stable, and nurturing home environments. This includes the development of prevention and educational programs, one on one support and home visits. The Family Preservation Worker collaborates with social services and community leaders to assess the needs of families, develop intervention plans, and offer ongoing counseling and resources to Haisla Nation families in a culturally grounded approach to strengthen family ties and promote the well-being of children and parents in accordance with Haisla Nation values.

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 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in 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

Family Assessment and Support:

• Conduct family assessments, identifying strengths and areas of concern, including risks to child safety.
• Conduct home visits to observe parenting practices and provide in-home coaching as needed.
• Develop family preservation plans to address issues identified in assessments.
• Collaboratively set goals and provide strategies to support families.
• Provide ongoing case management to ensure families are receiving support.
• Respond to family crises in a culturally sensitive manner, providing immediate support to de-escalate potentially harmful situations.
• Identify and facilitate safe childcare arrangements for children during a childcare emergency.
• Develop and deliver training and workshops on parenting skills to help parents develop effective, positive methods of communication and discipline.
• Develop and deliver training on child development, age-appropriate behaviors and the emotional needs of children.
• Develop and deliver life skills training and support to individuals and families.
• Assist families in navigating legal issues, including working with child protection services, the justice system, or other agencies.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and share insights on the cultural and social contexts affecting the family.
• Integrate Haisla cultural practices into parenting education, emphasizing the importance of community, tradition, and connection to land.

  Advocacy and Resource Coordination:

• Advocate for families and work collaboratively with other service providers, including child protection agencies, schools, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
• Help families access a wide range of resources, including counseling, financial assistance, housing support, and addiction treatment programs.
• Ensure families have access to Indigenous-specific resources, such as healing programs, Elders’ support, and cultural workshops.
• Engage with Haisla Nation leaders and members to better understand the needs of families and to develop community-driven solutions.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain confidentiality and ensure the privacy and security of records.
• Maintain accurate records and data for reporting requirements.
• Write and submit monthly reports to the Manager, Social Services.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance culturally responsive advising and advocacy skills.
• Perform other tasks within scope of position as required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Family Studies or Indigenous Studies, or a related field or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of recent related experience working with Indigenous families and communities in a family preservation and education, child welfare, counselling or social work capacity.
• Familiarity with the complex challenges facing First Nations families, including intergenerational trauma, residential school impacts, and systemic barriers.
• Knowledge of traditional and contemporary childcare practices, child development, and methodologies.
• Understanding of the Child and Family Community Service Act and related acts and regulations pertinent to the child welfare system.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build trust with various stakeholders and ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion and adherence to confidentiality requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to manage crises, and high-stress situations.
• Ability to stay organized and manage multiple cases while prioritizing family needs.
• Proficiency in report writing and documentation, ensuring accurate records of family progress and interventions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and various databases, search engines and Outlook/email.
• Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).

Closing Date:  Will remain open until fulfilled 

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.