Intake Social Worker

About the organization

Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) is committed to protecting the rights, safety, well-being, and spirit of Indigenous children and families. Its approach focuses on reducing oppression, discrimination, and marginalization while honoring community wisdom, capacity, and self-determination in the design of programs and services. The organization works in partnership with community members and other agencies to develop creative, culturally grounded Indigenous services.

Program overview

The Child Safety Program exists to support the safety and well-being of children while also helping families stay together whenever possible. It offers a full range of services, from prevention and family support to permanency planning for children in care.

Position summary

The Intake Social Worker role sits within the Child Safety department and reports to the Intake Team Leader. This permanent part-time position is scheduled for 21 hours per week and is based at 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC. The classification is Social Program Officer R24 Delegated (Grid 24 + 3 TMA*), with current pay set at $45.48 to $51.88 per hour. The wage reflects rates effective April 1, 2024 under the Indigenous Services stream within Community Social Services, with updates expected after collective agreement ratification. The role is unionized, requires work on site, and includes membership in the Public Service Pension Plan.

Purpose of the role

This position is responsible for receiving and assessing new reports involving children who may need protection and support. The work is grounded in least-intrusive, trauma-informed, and restorative child welfare practice. The social worker partners early with the child, family, extended family, community, Band or Nation, and Elders to gather the child’s circle, understand the situation, identify safe solutions, build belonging and security, and keep the circle strong.

Core approach and values

The work is guided by belonging, respect, strengths-based practice, integrity, and humility. Practice must align with applicable legislation, agency standards, and VACFSS’s service philosophy, with the goal of supporting a balanced and harmonious Indigenous community. A solid working knowledge of the Child, Family and Community Services Act and the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families is expected.

Key responsibilities

• Accept and record incoming child safety concerns, including family strengths, risks, history, and Indigenous identity or affiliation.
• Complete prior contact checks and build a comprehensive picture of the child and family situation.
• Assess whether the family is eligible for services and whether a protection response such as Family Development Response or investigation is needed.
• Engage the child’s family, extended family, community, Band or Nation, and Elders as early as possible.
• Start safety assessment and planning using the least intrusive response available.
• Work jointly with families and community partners to support culturally grounded, restorative solutions.
• Maintain clear documentation of decisions and actions in line with VACFSS requirements and delegated practice standards.

Competencies

• Relational engagement
• Leadership
• Collaborative planning and decision-making
• Emotional competence
• Resilience
• Cultural and spiritual expression

Qualifications

Candidates should bring the education, training, and experience needed for delegated child safety work. Preferred credentials include a bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work or Child and Youth Care, or a master’s degree in Educational Counselling Psychology or Counselling Psychology with a practicum in family and child welfare. Equivalent consideration may be given to applicants who are registered and in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers, or who have a letter confirming approved registration. C6 delegation is required.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, a bachelor’s degree with a major or honors in a human services field, or a master’s-level graduate certificate or diploma in a human services field completed after an unrelated bachelor’s degree. Applicants must also have C6 delegation and at least 2 years of C6 delegated experience. Human services fields include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology, and Nursing.

If education was completed outside Canada, an equivalency assessment through the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES) is required. A comprehensive report and supplemental report must be submitted for consideration.

Job skills and abilities

• Strong understanding of the Child, Family and Community Services Act
• Knowledge of supports and referral pathways for Indigenous children and families
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external community agencies
• Respectful and culturally sensitive practice with children and families
• Well-developed counseling and assessment capability
• Clear written and spoken communication
• Ability to investigate complex family situations and evaluate risk
• Understanding of extended family practices in Indigenous communities
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook

Additional notes

A valid Class 5 driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and business-class insurance are required to carry out this role. The position requires union membership and is expected to be performed on site as part of regular duties.

Benefits

• Medical, extended health, and dental coverage
• Group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• 100% employer-paid premiums
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Three weeks of vacation, prorated
• Prorated paid sick leave
• Membership in the Public Service Pension Plan
• Access to VACFSS staff clinical counsellor support
• Access to Indigenous cultural teachings arranged by the agency

Application information

Applications are accepted from candidates who meet the stated qualifications, as well as from those with delegated experience through MCFD or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency. An eligibility list may be established. Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates under Section 41 of the Human Rights Code. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Territory acknowledgement

The organization is situated on the unceded and occupied territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:lō nations.