Stó:lō Guardianship Social Worker - FT (Global) - 1714

Do you have a genuine passion in promoting the values of Indigenous culture working with and for Indigenous children, youth, and families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) while respecting their cultural diversity?

If so, consider joining our Xyólheméylh work family. We are a fully delegated Indigenous Child & Family Service Agency providing programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, and families on and off reserve within Stó: lō Territory in the Fraser Valley between Yale First Nation and Surrey BC.

Our programs and services are created and delivered with the support of our Elders Advisory Council with special attention on strengthening culture and identity, while honoring the strength of families.

Reporting to the Team Lead, the Guardianship Social Workers (GSWs) act as a legal guardian to all children and youth in care of the Director.

Social Workers on Multidisciplinary Teams are responsible for developing a trusting and respectful relationship with children, families, and communities the Agency serves. Social Workers at Xyolhemeylh can expect to contribute to our mission across the entire social work service delivery spectrum.

GSW’s provide culturally appropriate and holistic services to protect and support children in care within the parameters provided by the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI). This is done by building trusting relationships and working in collaboration with the children in care, the family/caregivers, Indigenous Communities, identified elders, and support workers. The views of children, families and communities are sought, valued, respected, and considered in all aspects of service planning, service delivery and service evaluation.

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree, Child and Youth Care Degree or a Social Services degree
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the human services field would be an asset.
• A combination of related education in a human services field and experience may be accepted.
• Applicants must be C4 delegated.
• Ability to practice standards set out in the Child Protection Response Policy (Chapter 3), B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) Manual
• Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous culture and how culture impacts in the development of individuals and communities; and Indigenous culture in general and history.
• Understanding of cross-cultural issues as they affect children in care, foster -parents, biological parents, and communities of origins.
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial, and aboriginal organizations mandated to provide health, counseling and child and family services.
• Strong understanding of agency policies and procedure manuals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write concise reports for various audiences and facilitate meetings.
• Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with children, Indigenous communities, caregivers, parents, and other FVACFSS employees.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Ability to perform C6 delegated duties and responsibilities including conducting investigations as required.
• Ability to travel for core training and delegation training including but not limited to other training and career development requirements.
• Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for their clients.
• Maintain a clear differentiation between the professional and personal self.
• Professional commitment, flexibility, good problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
• Computer literacy on databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer software
• Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License (no restrictions); reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance
• Criminal Records Check is a requirement.

• Acts as a legal guardian to children and youth in care of the Director and ensures that they are aware of their rights while in care.
• Attends all meetings, appointments, and judicial proceedings when a guardian is required to speak or make decisions on behalf of the child.
• Sign all documents that a legal guardian of the child needs to complete, such as school permission slips, medical forms, release of information forms, etc.
• Develops stable, safe and long-term placements for children in care, this includes the child’s needs for stability, continuity of relationships and a sense of belonging with the child’s best interest as a priority.
• Identifies and nurtures supportive familial and community relationships which will reach into adulthood.
• In collaboration with the designated representative, community and family, connects the child to her/his aboriginal roots and community.
• Provides an opportunity for children in care to develop the skills and resources necessary to succeed as an adult.
• Works collaboratively with caregivers and with Resource Social Worker to ensure a life book that contains pictorial and written records of the life of children in care such that the child has an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and continuity.
• Seeks professional guidance and approval of the Team Leader at key points in the provision of the guardianship files and within time frames specified within AOPSI standards (and more frequently if required by the Team Leader).

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  Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

This position is open to internal and external candidates at this time.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30pm PST on

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

Current employees of Xyólheméylh must apply for this position using the Internal Job Posting portal in ADP, with

Xyólheméylh login credentials.