Social Workers, Indigenous Child & Family Services

• Further your career while making a difference in our community
• Receive a competitive hourly rate of $44.19-$55.04, depending on skills and experience
• Feel valued, respected, and heard, working in a beautiful northern BC backdrop

About the Nisga'a Nation

Located on BC's rugged northwest coast, 100-150 km north of Terrace, Nisga'a Lands are blessed with soaring mountains, dramatic lava beds, picturesque fjords, and thriving rivers and streams, complemented by our rich cultural traditions. For visitors and residents, there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and much more!

The Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG) building opened its doors in 2000. It has since been responsible for a vital set of functions carried out under various departments including Child & Family Services, Finance, Programs & Services, Fisheries & Wildlife, Lands & Resources, Capital, Housing & Facilities Operations, and Enforcement & Emergency Services, all which contribute to the development of the surrounding area. NLG's directives are governed under Nisga’a laws as well as federal and provincial laws.

To read more about our history, culture, and long term community goals, please visit nisgaanation.ca.

About the Opportunity

Nisga’a Lisims Government is looking for multiple, full-time Delegated Social Workers based in New Aiyansh or Terrace, BC.

Reporting to the Team Leads for Nisga’a Child and Family Services, you will deliver delegated child welfare services to Nisga’a children, youth and families. You will be accountable for keeping children safe and well while working to preserve and strengthen families through least intrusive, trauma-informed and culturally grounded practice.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Responding to and investigating reports of children in need of protection, and assessing safety and risk
• Developing and implementing risk reduction, casework and culturally appropriate care plans
• Arranging and monitoring emergency and planned placements, including out-of-region placements
• Recruiting, developing and supporting foster homes and contracted resources
• Investigating allegations of abuse or neglect within foster homes and contracted resources
• Providing guardianship and permanency planning for children in continuing care
• Supporting voluntary services and out of care options such as Extended Family Programs, Youth Agreements and Young Adult Agreements
• Convening family conferences and using mediation and other dispute resolution processes
• Preparing court documentation, applying for court orders and consulting with legal counsel
• Maintaining accurate case records and reports in line with the CFCSA, AOPSI and agency policy
• Building relationships with families, community partners and agencies, and delivering public education
• Promoting access to Nisga’a culture and language, and taking part in the after-hours and weekend response team

About You

To qualify, you will need a Master’s degree in a related human services field or a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). A minimum of one year of experience in a social work or child safety environment will also be essential. Candidates with a recognized human services diploma or a related degree (such as Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Indigenous Studies, Education or Nursing) plus a minimum of three years of social work or child safety experience will also be considered.

You will also need:

• A valid BC Class 5 driver’s licence and a current driver’s abstract
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable children and youth, and consent to a Prior Contact Check
• The ability to obtain and maintain C3, C4 or C6 delegation (delegation training will be provided)
• Availability to take part in the after-hours and weekend response team
• Three recent work-related references

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience delivering delegated child welfare services within Indigenous communities
• Working knowledge of the CFCSA, AOPSI, Guardianship and Foster Care Standards, and the Adoption Act
• SAFE Home study training or experience
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, ideally Nisga’a cultural practices, ceremonies, values and beliefs
• A solid understanding of the history of colonization and the impacts of intergenerational trauma

As our ideal candidate, you will have excellent interviewing, assessment and communication skills, strong organizational and time management abilities, and the tact to handle sensitive situations with care. You will also bring resilience, composure under pressure and a sincere commitment to building relationships and community, which will make you a perfect culture fit.

These are meaningful opportunities for dedicated social workers who are ready to practice reconciliation in their work and help transform child welfare services for Nisga’a children, youth and families.

About the Benefits

The successful candidate will receive an hourly rate of $44.19-$55.04, based on qualifications and experience:

• $44.19 to $50.34 per hour for C3/4
• $44.19 to $55.04 per hour for C6

All NLG team members also receive access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• Extended medical and dental benefits
• Vacation pay
• Up to 18 days of elective leave per year
• Flex day every two weeks
• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including short and long-term disability and group life insurance
• Group pension plan
• Employee & family assistance program (EFAP) - confidential counselling services to assist employees
• Relocation assistance negotiable
• Staff vehicle
• Flexible work arrangements may be considered for the right candidate
• Opportunities for personal and professional training and development

By joining the NLG team, you can have a rewarding and exciting career that offers great opportunities for professional progression. Best of all, all of your hard work and dedication will serve the good of our Nation.

If you are passionate about helping others and aspire to make a real difference to First Nation communities, this is the ideal opportunity for you! Apply today!