Roots 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:

The Roots Worker position at the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society involves direct engagement with Indigenous children and youth aged 0-18 years and their families who are in the care of the Ministry for Children & Family Child Development (MCFD), and Secwepemc Child and Family Services Agency (SCFSA). Reporting to the Family Service Manager, the Roots Worker provides cultural insights, prepare Genograms, present cultural packages, identify placement barriers, recommend service plans, and facilitate reconnection between families and community. This role will annually complete a minimum of 18 Genograms, 12 Cultural Packages, and 10 Cultural Plans for Indigenous children being adopted by non-Indigenous families.

A day in the life – roles and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with MCFD and SCFSA social workers, First Nations Bands, and other Indigenous agencies to conduct reviews.
• Assist in the review process according to Ministry of Children and Family Development guidelines.
• Offer cultural insights to aid in the development of Plans of Care for Indigenous children.
• Prepare Genograms for children in care and initiate contact with extended family or community members. Complete packages for cultural presentations.
• Identify barriers to placing children with family or community members and determine necessary resources for alternative placements.
• Recommend placements and service plans to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• Develop cultural plans for children being adopted by non-Indigenous families.
• Participate in discharge planning for children in care preparing to exit the system.
• For children eligible for return to family or community care, support Ministry workers, families, and communities in devising and executing appropriate re-unification plans.
• Facilitate the return of children to their community or family members.
• Facilitate the reconnection of parents with their culture.
• Devise and implement strategies for children, where relocation is not deemed beneficial, to reinforce the child’s ties with their community and culture and involve the community in the child’s planning process.
• Submit monthly reports and summaries of review hours to the Family Service Manager.
• Maintain accurate and responsible client documentation and report writing.
• Attend all Roots meetings and engage in communication with other social workers as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements – what you bring to KAFS:

• Bachelor’s in Social Work or related field.
• Extensive knowledge in Indigenous culture, knowledge in compiling family genograms, knowledge in developing appropriate plans of care, knowledge in compiling cultural packages.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with high-risk families.

• Knowledge in Indigenous culture, values, beliefs, and traditions.
• Experience in providing in home support is an asset.

Our must haves that make you great:

• Proficient in verbal and written communication to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Diligent in maintaining accurate documentation, report writing, and precise record-keeping of client progress.
• Demonstrates respect for and understanding of diverse cultures, including Indigenous culture, values, and beliefs.
• Proactively engages in networking with relevant agencies, First Nations bands, and Indigenous organizations to foster partnerships and access resources for clients.
• Possesses a comprehensive understanding of methods for intake, assessments, intervention, and prevention.
• Utilizes effective strategies to de-escalate tense situations and promote positive outcomes.
• Works effectively as part of a team, contributing ideas, supporting colleagues, and collaborating on shared goals; recognizes the importance of teamwork in achieving client outcomes and organizational objectives.
• Adheres to ethical standards and legal requirements to protect client privacy and confidentiality.
• Proficient in utilizing various software applications and technology tools relevant to the field, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet management, database navigation, and electronic documentation systems.

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).