Early Years Indigenous Development Worker

Company Overview

The Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society is a dedicated non-profit organization that promotes, supports, and advocates for services tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal families in Langley. Our mission is to strengthen our community through various events and initiatives that foster cultural connection and support.

Summary

Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society (LFVAS) is accepting applications for temporary position for Development Worker in our Early Years Department. Using a family-centred approach, the Early Years Development Worker provides navigational support to families while assisting parents and caregivers with strategies to understand and meet the needs of their child. The desired outcomes include increasing families’ awareness of importance of bonding and attachment with their child, families’ capacity to act as advocates for their children, and families’ access to information and support related to their child’s circumstances. Early years support worker advocates with and for our Indigenous families and provides information about screening/ assessments, nutrition and support related to children ages 3-8, health and development.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Promote and support traditional cultural teachings and practice for our families, organization and community.
• Develop a professional supportive relationship and rapport with the parents, caregivers and extended family of the children involved in LFVAS programs and those referred to individualized services.
• Provide support to existing LFVAS Early Years programming (Mimele, Little Voices, Bringing Tradition Home and Family Gatherings) with early-years developmental practice, knowledge and expertise, using a strength-based approach.
• Attended LFVAS Early Years programming when requested or directed to bring in resources, specialized activities and to assist in the general operation of the program at the direction of the program’s coordinator/facilitator.
• Make home or community-visits with families with Aboriginal children aged 0-8 years who can benefit from early years developmental information, resources and supportive referrals.
• Continually assess and monitor individual caseload ensuring that families and children are receiving a traditional-approach to practice that focus on the mind, body and spirit of our People.
• Maintain liaison with other health and social service professionals who work with our Indigenous families including but not limited to: Elders, Playgroup Leaders, Physical/Occupational Therapists and Speech/Language Pathologists, Indigenous Health Workers, Delegated Indigenous Agencies and various community partners.
• Represent LFVAS, under the direction of the LFVAS Early Years Coordinator, at Early Years local and regional tables surrounding Indigenous families and children (community events, Langley childs day, Many Voices, One Mind and Langley ECE Committees when active).
• Make appropriate referrals for further assessment and/or support or counselling to other agencies or professionals as necessary.
• Facilitate parent education sessions and groups in conjunction with other LFVAS staff to increase parent’s/caregiver’s knowledge of children’s normal growth and developmental milestones. Share with families the normal range for their child’s growth and development and to work with them to undertake the responsibility for enhancing the development of their children through acquired parenting skills that respect local traditional values and culture.
• Facilitate parent education sessions and groups that may cover: Prenatal, Postnatal and Infant Massage, Post-Partum Depression, SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, sibling relationships, partner relationships, traditional parenting roles and responsibilities, bonding and attachment, resiliency, stress, self-care, the 7-Sacred Teachings and Medicine Wheel Teachings.
• Serve as a resource for other LFVAS Early Years staff and other Langley Indigenous service providers working on behalf of young families.
• Be a resource champion to parents/caregivers and blend traditional and modern parenting practices.
• Ensure that all services on caseload are delivered in accordance with the Provincial Indigenous Development Program Policy and Procedures.
• Participate in other LFVAS events and planning such as National Indigenous Day Celebrations, Orange Shirt Day, Family Gatherings, Workshops, Summer Picnics and Christmas activities at the direction of the LFVAS Early years coordinator or Program manager.
• Participate in staff meetings, society meetings, professional development, and cultural teachings as required.
• Maintain client schedules, files, logs, program records, time sheets and expenditures. Provide periodic reporting records to Early Years Coordinator as required.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills & abilities

• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task; self-motivated personality with ability to take initiative and work as part of the LFVAS team.
• Understanding of strength-based practice.
• Understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal culture, traditions and issues impacting on urban Aboriginal families.
• Must have Aboriginal cultural agility and demonstrate appropriate behavioural competencies.
• Knowledge and experience of group processes and facilitation.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills, supportive counselling and advocacy skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, SharePoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to perform tasks involving moderate physical activity in working with children, including walking, standing, bending, kneeling and lifting of children.
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities and organizations and service providers in and around the community of Langley an asset

Experience & Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field (i.e. child and youth care , early education, social work, etc.) is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered including years of service, experience with the position or similar positions
• ECE certificate with Post Basic Infant/Toddler and Special Needs Educator Certificate required
• Infant Development and Supported Child Development Certificate or Diploma – CYC, FNCYC required, particularly if incumbent does not possess a degree
• Minimum two years’ experience in the A/IDP, A/SCD field or ECD field working with Aboriginal children who require extra support and/or equivalent experience working in Aboriginal/First Nations communities with young children
• Demonstrated working knowledge of early intervention, child development, family-centered practice, and community-based services required
• First Aid and Food Safe

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully complete Criminal Record Review for work with children and vulnerable adults.
• All workers must be aware of the potential for allegations to be brought against them by clients and therefore, must conduct themselves in a manner where behaviors/actions cannot be misinterpreted
• Must sign Oath of Confidentiality
• Hiring subject to primary source credential verification
• Must have reliable vehicle and a valid BC driver’s license
• Must provide driver’s abstract

Please submit your resume, with a cover letter, to angela@LFVAS.org

Position will remain open until filled.

We appreciate interest of all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. We encourage all qualified people to apply. Where applicants for a position are equally suitable, preference will be given to the Aboriginal applicant, please self-identify in cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time/ Maternity leave position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person