ECD Cultural Family Support Worker

Overview

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Opportunity:

KAFS is recruiting a collaborative and considerate ECD Cultural Family Support Worker to join their team. Reporting to the Family Service Manager of the KAFS, the ECD Cultural Family Support Worker will work directly with Urban Indigenous families whose Children are 0-6 years old living in conditions of risk to have improved health and social development. This role will facilitate culturally enriching activities such as drumming and storytelling and provide workshops and groups that can provide information to parents and children.

A day in the life – role and responsibilities:

• Facilitate culturally appropriate activities, including drumming, singing, and traditional storytelling, emphasizing their importance for a holistic approach.
• Facilitate workshops and educational sessions for groups and diverse audiences such as increasing awareness of causes, effects, and prevention of FAS/FAE.
• Create and maintain a positive, safe, and non-judgmental environment during group settings, fostering socialization for parents and children.
• Provide information to parents/caregivers on childhood development and healthy lifestyle choices, integrating cultural perspectives into the guidance.
• Offer cultural support to parents and children, recognizing the importance of cultural identity and traditions.
• Deliver pre and postnatal support/education through both in-home and in-office visits, tailoring assistance to individual needs.
• Provide referrals to KAFS programs and other community resources, connecting families with relevant services.
• Offer intervention support to children, families, and caregivers, promoting personal growth and development.
• Submit monthly reports to the Family Service Manager, detailing program activities, achievements, and challenges.
• Attend all meetings relevant to children in care, actively participating in discussions and decision-making processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements – what you bring to KAFS:

• Minimum 3 years experience working with Indigenous children and families, preferably within an Indigenous organization.
• Experience in facilitating workshops, and educational sessions for groups.
• Experience in evaluating Early Childhood developmental stages including intake, assessments, intervention, prevention, and completing Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ).
• Knowledge of Ministry for Children and Family Development and the Child, Family and Community Service Act
• Knowledge of Secwepemc language, drumming, songs, and stories is highly desirable.

Our “must haves” that make you great:

• Demonstrate deep respect, knowledge, and understanding of Indigenous barriers, concerns, values, beliefs, and pertinent issues.
• Display the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team of professionals, with a strong emphasis on group coordination.
• Showcase a proven ability to supervise and monitor clients’ progress, ensuring their needs and goals are effectively addressed.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills, fostering clear and effective interactions with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to connect families with community resources specifically tailored to Indigenous people, including health services, educational programs, and cultural events.
• Possess excellent networking skills, establishing and maintaining positive connections within the community.
• Demonstrate expertise in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, time management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Highlight essential documentation and filing skills, ensuring accurate and organized record-keeping.
• Exhibit proficiency in Microsoft Office such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• A goal-oriented mindset that includes a family-centered practice, involving families in decision-making and goal-setting for the well-being of their children.

Wage $27/hr

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).