We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Manager, Social Development, the Social Worker works in a collaborative team environment and is responsible for helping individuals and families develop skills and acquire resources needed to enhance and improve social functioning. The Social Worker provides counselling, therapy, appropriate referrals, and culturally appropriate and holistic social services, programs and resources in an effort to achieve this goal. This role further requires the Social Worker to assess and interview clients, record accurate and detailed case notes and develop and maintain sustainable relationships with children, families, staff, and other professionals.
This position is a termed position of one year.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Intake new cases, following relevant policies and procedures, including crisis management when necessary.
- Interview clients to assess the situation and determine the types and level of services required. Interviewing may be conducted individually, in families and/or in group settings.
- Provide counselling to clients including one-on-one counselling and group therapy as required.
- Provide client assessments, develop case plans and monitor client progress.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments, provide mediation or circle services and make appropriate referrals as required.
- Direct individuals and families to available social services and resources within the community to assist with the resolution of personal, family and social problems.
- Consult with doctors, therapists, medical professionals and/or conduct case conferencing with Vancouver Police Department, RCMP, external agencies or supports as required. Advocate for community members and families when appropriate.
- Investigate, and take protective action when required, cases of child abuse and/or neglect.
- Maintain accurate and detailed case notes and records of each visit, conversation and any other form of communication.
- Develop and implement an interdisciplinary case management system.
- Maintain sustainable working relationships with community members, staff, community agencies, schools, law enforcement and courts.
- Act as an advocate for clients and perform court-related services as directed.
- Participate in interdisciplinary case management, in regular meetings and communications with MCFD and other key Musqueam Indian Band staff, as appropriate.
- Keep the Department Manager/Divisional Lead informed of caseload and conduct appropriate reporting procedures.
- Plan assistive programs for clients and assist with proposal writing and program management as directed by supervisor.
- Attend scheduled department staff meetings and in-service programs.
- Work closely with interdisciplinary team to develop and facilitate addiction support groups and other addiction intervention strategies.
- Provide treatment referrals and post treatment support to clients.
- Complete and maintain all documentation/ records and reporting as required.
- Work closely the Musqueam Indian Band Income Assistance department to ensure clients have access to benefits and are compliant.
- Work closely with the Musqueam Safe Home, Homemakers, Art Therapist’s, Outreach Workers
- Assist to establish community wellness goals and objectives in consultation with the community, staff and management.
- Coordinate workshops and campaigns to educate and promote addictions awareness and addiction-free lifestyles.
- Develop and follow approved annual work plan.
- Participate in community cultural, recreational and social programs to model and encourage healthier lifestyles.
- Provides weekly notices to community (i.e. updates, issue dates etc.).
- Understand the use correct reporting procedures for serious or unusual incidents, including but not limited to client injury or illness, incidents of aggression or injury involving employees.
- Provides general office support to the Social Development Department.
- Adheres to freedom of information guidelines and responds to requests for information from clients, public, business community and other government agencies.
- Keep all information strictly confidential.
- Work requires working with local, provincial and national agencies.
- Maintains positive relationships with service providers including but not limited to social workers, MCFD, VACFAS, medical staff, corrections officers and the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP.
- Contacts are for the purpose of influencing others with respect to programming, including funding, new programs and research initiatives and engaging with political and community leaders to seek their involvement in and support for existing and new program initiatives.
- Other related duties as required.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a recognized post-secondary institution required.
- Valid Social Work designation, license or registration, as required by the province of B.C.
- Three years of related experience, including case management, counselling, crisis intervention, report preparation, etc.
- Previous experience working in a First Nations community and/or organization is preferred
- Good knowledge of social service systems and community resources.
- Demonstrated client assessment, interviewing, counselling, and mediation skills.
- Understanding of crisis management and the ability to deal with life threatening situations including the prevention of suicide.
- Cultural competency and knowledge of the MIB’s cultural traditions an asset
- Demonstrated ability to interact with people in a sensitive, tactful, diplomatic, and professional manner at all times.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and independently.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Advanced communication skills required, both written and oral.
- Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills.
- Ability to use sound judgement and diplomacy in high stress/conflict situations;
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism in the workplace, and when representing the Musqueam Indian Band;
- Ability to interact and coordinate work efforts with other departments/agencies and provide input when required;
- Ability to use tact and judgement in dealing with sensitive and complex issues;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality;
- Good understanding of First Nations traditional healing methods and a willingness to participate in First Nations protocols, ceremonies, and other practices.
- Willing to participate in job-related workshops, courses or training to further skills, knowledge and competencies as required.
- Must have a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle.
- Criminal Records Check
- The work is performed in an office environment.
- This position is a termed position as the full time permanent employee is on a termporary leave.
- Flexible hours, including evening and weekend work; occasional overtime
- Occasional high levels of stress and pressure.
Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.
- Competitive salary
- Training and career development
- Business casual environment
- Community fitness and gym access
- Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
- Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.
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