Social Development Worker

Overview

THE ORGANIZATION:
The Splatsin (pronounced splat-seen) people reside on Indian reserve lands adjacent to the City of Enderby to the south and across the Shuswap River to the east. The Splatsin are the southernmost tribe of the Secwépemc Nation, the largest Interior Salish speaking First Nation in Canada. Our aboriginal territory stretches from the B.C./Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes and to the upper reaches of the Columbia River.

THE OPPORTUNITY: 
The Splatsin Administration Department is currently looking for a dedicated, full-time Band Social Development Worker (BSDW) who will be responsible for administering and delivering various support programs ensuring that income support recipients receive regular, timely and accurate support payments in adherence to legislation, regulations, and policies
The BSDW is responsible for keeping accurate records and files of all clients and assisting clients in social assistance applications and related tasks. Other responsibilities will include duties and activities designed to help support the Splatsin membership access and connect to various federal and provincial initiatives and opportunities with a focus to enhance overall well-being for the Splatsin membership with a particular focus on children and families. The BSDW shall process and determine eligibility and prepare budget and decision forms as required. All clients must be informed of their rights and responsibilities and the right to appeal, should the client disagree with the decision provided by the BSDW regarding eligibility for benefits.

A Day in the Life: 
As the Social Development Worker, you will:

• Process Income assistance applications according to the requirements of both Splatsin policy and ISC requirements.
• Provide required documentation to the Splatsin Finance department in a timely manner and in accordance with Splatsin Financial policy prior to issuance of support cheques.
• Process and issue social assistance payments and maintain associated reporting, while ensuring that all payments made are correct according to the policy rates for Basic support, shelter, and special needs.
• Maintain an accurate budget to reflect funds received from funding agencies.
• Maintain confidential files for each applicant that includes case notes, identification, and all required documentation for the file to be complete. Files must include records of disbursements of ISC funds, amounts and purpose.
• Ensure all quarterly Income Assistance Reports are submitted by the 15th day of each reporting period as they are the basis for the reimbursement of expenditures as per the funding agreement with ISC.
• If required – ensure that any annual reviews or reports are completed as and submitted on time.
• Provide referral, when required, to the local ISET holder for employment training opportunities. All eligible clients will have the required referral documentation on file.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with staff and to representatives of other agencies and organizations.
• Interpret Social Development policy and procedures to provide clients with a better understanding to the purposes, services, and requirements of the Social Development program.
• Maintain professional growth and development by participating in approved conferences and training opportunities when relevant to job duties and function.
• Maintain information and data necessary to be able to complete and submit applications, reports, or other requests related to Splatsin financial policy and Funder requirements.
• Other ad hoc tasks related to service provision as may be necessary.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Splatsin policies and procedures.
• All persons employed by Splatsin may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
• Participate in community events as requested,
• Sensitivity to the historical and systemic impacts on indigenous families and communities from intergenerational trauma due to colonialism, residential school history, the sixties scoop, and association with the child welfare system.
• Maintain a Foodbank for clients and community members in need.

CORE COMPENTENCIES:

• Advanced Microsoft Office Skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Knowledge of ISC funding and reporting
• Experience with expense tracking or budget maintenance
• Prior knowledge of Xyntax software would be beneficial
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Knowledge of Splatsin culture and traditions, preferred
• Proficient in dealing with public and staff in a confident and courteous manner
• Positive can do attitude
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals to overcome barriers
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Desire to increase capacity through professional development
• Ability to work as a part of an inter-disciplinary team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Honest, trustworthy, and respectful

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

• Minimum Grade 12 diploma
• Band Social Development Training (training provided if needed)
• Diploma in Human Services would be considered an asset

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIRMENTS: 

• Valid BC Driver’s License and clean driving abstract.
• Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Valid First Aid Certification.

SALARY: $26.00 to $30.00, based on qualifications and experience
As per Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants from the Splatsin Community and those of Aboriginal Ancestry.