Job Description

Job Title:

ABORIGINAL FAMILY CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR

Hours:

30-40 hours/week - temporary position for an extended sick leave

(approx. Oct 2025 to Mar 2026)

Job Summary:

Provides family preservation and family reunification services to the Aboriginal Community of the West Kootenay/Boundary region. Provides cultural input (cultural case management) into family needs assessments and service plans in collaboration with MCFD. Advocates for and connects families to culturally-appropriate resources. Coordinates and facilitates various cultural gatherings including the COINS Traditional Parenting and Personal Healing Program and drum circles. Provides cultural support to other service providers working with Aboriginal families.

Reports to:

Executive Director

Key Duties and

Responsibilities:

Responds in a timely manner to referrals from the Ministry for Children and Families, Child Protection; provides cultural consultation into family assessments and service plans. Works specifically with Aboriginal children and youth who are in the care of MCFD including the creation of cultural life books (in collaboration with MCFD, foster parents and birth family when possible), making/supporting connections to the child/youth's band, providing input into cultural safety plans, and advocating for cultural plans to be implemented. Assesses child and family readiness for other service interventions. Contributes to family-based intervention plans within program guidelines or as established by the MCFD Social Worker and the family/caregivers. Connects families to culturally-appropriate resources; provides information on and referrals to other community service providers, resources, and professionals, as required. Advocates on behalf of Aboriginal families to ensure that their service needs are being met. Works with foster parents to ensure cultural safe care. Participates in Integrated Case Management meetings and meets regularly with social workers to report client activities and progress, discuss case planning issues and concerns, and evaluate the effectiveness of the service plan and interventions. Works with staff in community agencies to develop and deliver group programs that are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal families. Liaises with community service providers and other professionals to coordinate service provision, promote the program, and facilitate referrals. Assists in the development and implementation of community education strategies that are designed to raise awareness and educate the Aboriginal community regarding healthy family functioning. Participates in the identification and development of new services and strategies for Aboriginal families. Maintains related records and statistics as required by program guidelines. Leads and/or supports community events and gatherings such as Aboriginal Day, Orange Shirt Day and various healing gatherings/ceremonies. Assists with program evaluation activities. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Diploma in Social Work or in a related human/social service field. Two (3) years recent related experience in a human/social service field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Qualified persons of Aboriginal ancestry and an understanding of the local needs of the Aboriginal community will be given preference.

Job Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated Aboriginal cultural competence and a good understanding of the West Kootenay/Boundary Aboriginal community and resources. Some understanding of the Child, Family and Community Act within MCFD, or at least a willingness to learn. Excellent skills in needs assessment, supportive counseling, group work, and case management. Strong ability to communicate with Aboriginal families who have experienced difficulty in coping and relationships and who may be functioning in unhealthy ways. Clear written and verbal communication. Ability to work as a positive productive member of a small team, Integrated Case Management teams, and community development forums. Ability to work well independently and recognize and request support and consultation when needed. Competent computer abilities in MSWord, Email, Internet, data management.

Other Job

Requirements:

This position requires the incumbent to travel throughout the West Kootenay and Boundary region. The Coordinator must have a reliable vehicle, road emergency equipment, business insurance that includes $3 M liability, and a criminal records check.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 - 40 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

Castlegar, BC V1N 3N9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Secondary School (preferred)
Work Location: In person