Social Worker

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Social Worker

Location: Gaw Tlagée Old Massett or HIGaagilda Skidegate, Haida Gwaii

Wage: $43.45/hour

Position: Full Time Permanent (35-hours/week)

Haida Child & Family is a Haida-led organization providing culturally appropriate wrap around services to Haida children and families.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Practice, the Social Worker (SW) will provide culturally appropriate and holistic services to children and families within the parameters provided by the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI). Using clinical and interpersonal skills as well as good case management systems the SW will provide a variety of services to families, including preventive services and referrals to appropriate resources to assist with the preservation of the family unit.

Services are provided based on the premise that families have the intent and desire to nurture and protect their children. The views of children, families and clans are to be sought, valued, respected and considered in all aspects of service planning, service delivery and service evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

o Developing a trusting and respectful relationship with the children, families and communities the Agency serves.

o Providing intake and assessment functions, ensuring that all work is integrated with plans, policies and practices of Haida Child and Family (HCF) and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)

o Providing culturally appropriate programming and administrative services to care homes, specialized care homes and group care homes.

o Developing a comprehensive, holistic, and culturally appropriate service plan through planning meetings and case conferences and conferences with the appropriate clan respecting the policy regarding confidentiality.

o Acting as needed in the Resource Worker position to recruit, train and develop capacity within the Haida communities to provide alternate care homes.

o Empowering Haida citizens in building capacity in the communities, for assessing the needs in each community so that citizens can participate fully in designing and working towards a healthy community, able to care for, nurture and protect all children.

o Developing a trusting and respectful relationship with children in care of the Director and for exercising guardianship responsibilities for children in the continuing custody of the Director.

o Organizing training/educational events and sessions, for participation of Clans and for facilitating group process in training and workshop environments.

o Working collaboratively with other agencies involved with the families and children and recommending plans of action to Ministry workers in cases involving abuse and/or neglect.

o Acting as a part of the team composed of other professionals, the child’s caregivers, identified elders, natural parents, extended family and clan.

o Performing other duties as assigned or outlined in the Job Description.

Qualifications and Experience

o Knowledge of Haida culture, history and the implications of colonization for indigenous children, youth, families and communities.

o Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work; or equivalent related degree with one year or more experience.

o Working knowledge of federal, provincial, and aboriginal organizations mandated to provide health, counseling, Child, and Family Services.

o Must have sound knowledge of, the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA), and An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families (Bill C-92).

o Ability to develop strong working relationships with children in care, caregivers, biological parents, community members and other employees working on Haida Gwaii and off Island.

o Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

o Professional commitment, flexibility and great dispute resolution skills, along with leadership abilities.

o Computer literacy for Microsoft Word, Excel and other computer software. Familiarity with MCFD ICM/MIS system will be an asset.

o Ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.

o Be willing to, or already possess, C4 delegation.

Working Conditions

o Travel between communities will be required.

o Monday to Friday schedule (35-hour week) but flexibility is needed from time to time based on Agency needs, including occasional evenings and weekends.

o Must be able to obtain and maintain a Solicitor General Criminal Records Check.

o Must be able to obtain and maintain a BC Driver’s License and possess their own vehicle which must be suitable to transport clients on occasion on Haida Gwaii.

o Must be willing and able to work remotely.

Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

This position requires Union membership and is open to all applicants.

To Apply

Please submit your resume with cover letter and 3 professional references to Chantel Wellman at chantel@hrwest.ca.

The posting will remain open until January 9, 2026.

~2025-12-03 HG