Job Description

Join the Hulitan Family!

Hulitan Family and Community Services Society is a unique Indigenous non-profit located in the Westshore Community of Southern Vancouver Island. Our mission is to preserve, unify and advocate for Indigenous families by supporting healing and fostering resilience through culturally rooted programs, services, and collaboration with community partners. Hulitan empowers Indigenous families and future generations, walking alongside them and using the cultural principles of Respect, Connectedness, Humility, and Integrity.

We opened our Early Years Centre September 2024 that includes an Aboriginal HeadStart Childcare Program with 48 childcare spaces for Indigenous children, and our Journeys of the Heart Program. We are broadening the ways that we support families, and adding an Early Years Supported Access Program and an Early Years Family Support Worker.

Position Description

We are seeking a Family Support Worker (FSW) to join our family at our Early Years Centre. Practicing with a trauma informed lens the Family Support Worker will provide support to families who are accessing programs at our Early Years Centre. The FSW will support and empower Indigenous parents/caregivers as the first teachers of their children through connections to cultural and community resources, child development assessments and information, healthy home routines, parenting strategies for guiding behaviour, and support navigating systems. The FSW will work with families in home, in community, and in office to foster healthy cultural identity and healthy development and to support families to be prepared to enter the school system.

Responsibilities

Connect with parents/caregivers of the children attending the Hulitan Early Years Centre Programs through in office, in home, and in community visits/outreach monthly (or more frequently as needed). Assist families to identify their strengths and needs and to create realistic and supportive goals for your time together that will support the health and wellness of the parents/caregivers and their child's developmental and school readiness needs. Honour Parents and Caregivers as the first teachers of their children through relationship building, seeking feedback, and inviting participation in the creation of goals. Provide families with resources and information that will support their individual goals, including cultural resources, parenting strategies, child development and healthy home routines. When in the home or classroom, foster a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child, respecting their individual strengths, needs, and interests. Work collaboratively with other staff members, Elders, educators, and support staff, to create a cohesive and supportive team environment that prioritizes the needs and interests of the children and families we serve. Complete Ages and Stages Questionnaires with families to support understanding of child development and identify any areas of concern for development or school readiness. Complete an intake and registration package with each family. Observe parent-child interactions and support areas of development through positive role modeling, and practices of guiding children's behavior. Develop strategies to deal with crises faced by families. Support families through preparation for and transition to kindergarten by connecting with schools and advocating for children and families' needs. Ensure parent/caregiver and child files are concise, up to date and accurate - both paper and electronic files according to program protocol and procedures. Maintain complete and accurate case notes according to the program case note guidelines. Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to build on knowledge and skills in early childhood education, Indigenous culture, trauma-informed care, and other relevant areas.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The successful candidate will possess experience that will satisfy all or most of the following:

Knowledge and understanding of challenges faced by indigenous families living in Southern Vancouver Island. Demonstrate a knowledge of which traditional territories that you will be practicing on, respect for Indigenous cultures, and a willingness to learn. Commitment to continual work and reflection on decolonizing practice in work with children and families and speak to the actions you are taking. Understanding of the provincial acts as they relate to children, youth, and families and the duty to report. Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships and communication with children, peers, families, and community members. Understanding of early child development and ages and stages. Knowledge of community resources to support families. Knowledge of trauma informed practice and values that align with creating an inclusive environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The successful candidate will possess education and experience that will satisfy all or most of the following:

Community Child Family Studies, Indigenous Family Support Certificate, or other relevant combination of education and experience. Experience working with Indigenous children and families, preferably in an early childhood setting. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and community members. A current and valid first aid certificate with infant and child CPR (or be willing to obtain one as part of the training before commencing work). Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening clearance (provided by Hulitan).

What We Give in Return:

We recognize the importance of family and wellness while doing this challenging work. Staff at Hulitan have 15 vacation days yearly, 12 sick days yearly, and an additional 6 sick days for those with children under the age of 12. In addition, you have access to support from our resident Elder and frequent opportunity for ongoing training. A comprehensive benefits package and RRSP contribution of 4% of your annual salary are provided for all permanent staff working 21 hours per week or more.

Hulitan Early Years staff receive reflective supervision once per month and frequent team and peer check-ins. We offer a supportive collaborative environment that fosters personal growth, and lasting connections.

Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry

Please submit your resume and cover letter attention to:

Sarah McDonald, Manager of Early Years e-mail: smcdonald@hulitan.ca

Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Closing date is September 19th, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

Starting wage is $27.00 per hour.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care Wellness program
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work Location: In person