Aboriginal Support Worker jobs in Vancouver, BC

About Us:

The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) is a rapidly growing Indigenous community-based organization, serving BC’s largest urban Indigenous population of children, youth, families & Elders. Our Vision is to build a community of strong, healthy, successful Indigenous people connected to each other and to their roots by fostering their health & well-being through culturally relevant services, support, and advocacy.

Why FRAFCA:

· Opportunity to work alongside cultural knowledge keepers & Elders

· Holistic, culturally safe, approaches to serving our clients and community

· Freedom to share and observe own cultural practices (i.e. smudging in the office)

· Parking available on-site

· Paid vacation days;

· Offices located along main transportation routes; main office by the Skytrain station;

Job Summary & Duties:

Working within the context of a client centered care approach and the vision/values of the FRAFCA,

The Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Worker will:

• Provide client support to our urban Indigenous community;
• Complete intakes, referrals and use the HiFiS data base and VAT tool;
• Provide supports to help clients in obtaining their basic needs such as shelter, recovery homes, transition homes, assistance with medical appointments, housing, employment and personal development;
• Conduct street outreach on a regular basis to inform the community of FRAFCA’s programs and services;
• Provide cultural supports and services to assist in healing for individuals, families, and our urban Indigenous community;
• Have a solid understanding of the historical and current effects of:

– Colonization
– Intergenerational and direct effects of residential schools
– Homelessness

• Actively participate in FRAFCA events, such as but not limited to, cultural workshops/youth night, outreach events, NIPD, and homeless counts. This can include evenings and weekends;
• Willingness to participant in OH&S committee for a term certain period;
• Other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• College Certificate or Diploma in Social Services or relevant equivalent;
• Minimum 1 years’ experience of working with vulnerable individuals/families/a combination of relevant education and experience;
• Previous experience working with the urban Indigenous community;
• Must have a broad-based knowledge of the family and social issues faced by the urban Indigenous people, including the inter-generational impact of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities;
• Must possess knowledge of Aboriginal culture and traditions;
• Active First Aid certificate;
• Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Surrey and surrounding communities, particularly Indigenous-specific resources;
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to compile accurate records and prepare reports;
• Must have a personal support system and self care plan in place;
• Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with competing demands and tight timelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Sound understanding of available housing, income support and related agency/government assistant programs in Surrey community;
• Demonstrated ability to perform proactive community outreach activities;
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality;
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgement to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision;
• Results focused to meet high standards of performance, able to monitor progress towards goals and adjust plans as required;
• Ability to build organizational trust in his or her own professionalism, integrity, and expertise;
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Surrey and surrounding area, and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centres, is an asset;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software database programs;
• Must pass criminal record check including vulnerable sector clearance.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and
• Access to a reliable vehicle (good to have)
• Willingness to undergo a criminal record check
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed
• First Aid certification

How to Apply:

• Apply online at https://frafca.org/careers/careers/ (or)
• Email your resume and cover letter to hr@frafca.org (or)
• Submit your resume and cover letter at: A101-10095 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey, BC V3T 4G1

We thank all the applicants, but only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Open until suitable candidate is found.

*Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference may be given to Aboriginal Applicants.

We are committed to the National Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. FRAFCA is engaged primarily in promoting or serving the interests of Indigenous peoples, FRAFCA prioritizes employment to Indigenous peoples. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, unless that preference or employment would constitute a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Pay: $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company car
• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person