Social Services Team Lead

Social Services Team Lead

Sqwa First Nation is looking for a Social Services Team Lead. This is a full-time permanent position located at the Sqwa First Nation Band Office, in Chilliwack, BC. Under the direction of the Social Services and Health Director, the Social Services Team Lead's primary goal is to support the community through the coordination of programs and services within the areas of wellness. The Social Services Committee is now referred to as Tset tse áliyém kweset sq'áleqó which translates from Halq’eméylem to English as ‘We have strength together’ or the Strength Together Committee for short. The social services team members hired are also referred to as the Strength Together Team.

The Social Services Team Lead assesses, recommends and coordinates social and wellness services and programs delivered to the community. TheSocial Services Team Lead requires a strong understanding of direct community needs and is capable of assisting specialized staff with referrals, resources and support services for members of Sqwá First Nation. This position will be incharge of supervising 5 other staff within the Social Services Department, under the direction of the Social Services and Health Director. The Social Services Team Lead ensures there is a strong social, interpersonal, multifaceted, professional, community-centered approach to all programs and services delivered; advocating ethically for community members.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Support the families of Sqwá First Nation with prevention and intervention towards family wellness needs.
• Support with drafting child welfare laws that are Indigenous or Sqwá - centric.
• Coordinate and assess social and wellness services, program and related activities delivered by the Wellness team for individuals, families, and groups.
• Support the families of Sqwá First Nation with prevention and intervention towards family wellness needs.
• Support with Policy Development for Sqwá First Nation as directed by the Administration and Chief and Council.
• Develop and deliver reports for government agencies, and external and internal stakeholders about case work.
• Support with proposal and grant writing.
• Support with drafting child welfare laws that are Indigenous or Sqwá - centric.
• Act as the main point of contact for community members seeking services from the wellness team in support of overall health and wellness for everyone in the community from infants to elders.
• Develop and deliver information and wellness educational services in coordination with other Health and Strength Together Team Members.
• Work with the delegated agency/agencies to ensure appropriate services are being provided to Sqwá community members.
• Refer to counselling services and/or provide counselling services within area(s) of expertise.
• Provides backup to other Strength Together staff when required.
• Provide weekly and monthly schedule of activities and advertise and promote as needed.
• Develop an annual workplan outlining programs that will tackle.
• Prepare and develop culturally relevant programs, activities and events, including monthly reporting on said programs, activities and events.
• Maintain and follow contractual obligations and, policies and procedures.
• Seek out and procure attainable contracts/grants suitable to the overall well-being of the community.
• Advocate for community needs, staff deficiencies, and staff training,
• Utilize statistical information for the purpose of continued funding and proposal writing to benefit the community directly.
• Develop monthly and annual statistics regarding program/event/activities/workshop attendance.
• Maintain confidential records of client interactions, community contacts, presentations and workshops attended and delivered.
• Provide counselling and support to individuals, families, and groups in the community within areas of expertise.
• Refer and/or meet with family members and provide guidance and support.
• Work with Clients to develop aftercare plans upon completing treatment.
• Coordinate and host a variety of mental health related activities and educational workshops for clientele and community groups.
• Ensure on-going contact with affiliated agencies supporting programs and services.
• Participate in internal working groups and/or committees.
• Provide education by presentations and workshops, as requested.
• Lobby organizations for programs and support.
• Assist the Health and Wellness Director with projects
  
  

Required Qualifications / Education / Experience / Skills:

• Post-secondary degree in the areas of Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Social Sciences, Psychology, Counselling, Substance Abuse Training, etc.
• 3 + years of experience in the Social Work, Counselling and/or Human Services field.
• Have strong ties within Indigenous service providers, including FNHA, Fraser Health Authority, Fraser Valley Aboriginal Services Society as-well-as strong knowledge of resources throughout the lower mainland, upper Fraser valley and Indigenous specific resources.
• Strong understanding of Bill C92, reporting requirements for stakeholders and the social services sphere within the Indigenous field.
• Knowledge of FAS, mental health support, addictions facilities, detox, recovery homes, legal, psychiatric, grief and loss.
• Formal Trauma Informed training and a strong trauma informed perspective ensuring the safety of members requiring compassionate services.
• Experience in performing individual and group counselling sessions, crisis intervention, mediation and ability to facilitate healing circles is an asset.
• Proven experience coordinating internal and external resources.
• Must be delegated or able/willing to attend training for C6 delegation in the province of B.C.
• Experience applying for accurate reporting and distributing funds from the various funding providers.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to interact positively with clients in crisis.
• Ability to work in a team geared, cultural and politically sensitive environment.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, multitask, and to work under pressure.
• Ability to be flexible and to work in an environment that applies cross training within other Departments.
• NNADAP (National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program) Certification is considered an asset.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Internet, and Email).
• Ability to abide by Sqwá First Nations’ Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge, respect and understanding of Stó:lō culture, traditions and language is considered an asset.
• Experience working with First Nations community is considered an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s License, Class 5 and own transportation.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
  
  

About Us

Sqwa First Nation has over 700 band members. The main reservation is in the Sto:lo Territory, near the historic Chilliwack Landing. Our original land in Chilliwack was the area where Five Corners now sits.

Sqwa First Nation also encompasses other lands: Skwali just north of the Hope Slough, Sqwala at the base of Little Mountain, and Schelowat in Rosedale. Sqwa FN also shares the administration of the Grass Indian Reserve #5, Pekw’Xe:yles, and Skumalasph IR#16. Chilliwack Landing Preschool has been teaching children from the community and surrounding areas for over 30 years, fostering the values of self-worth & self-preservation through the cultural connection within our children’s family traditions, elder teachings and community involvement. Our curriculum ensures our young children reach their full potential through outstanding care and educational programming. We are an accredited school open to the community of Chilliwack and Sardis. A great source of pride for Sqwa First Nation is the River Spirit Canoe Club. Started and run by the Williams family, members compete and win regularly.

Throughout BC and the northwestern states, the Sqwa First Nation works closely with School District #33, where students are introduced to traditional First Nations cultural teachings and experiences.

Compensation

The position offers a competitive compensation package with tax exemption for eligible candidates, with a salary range of $38.15 - 52.06 per hour with excellent group health benefits.

Group Health Benefits

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program
  
  

Working hours and schedule:

• Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  
  

Ability to commute/relocate:

• 615 Wellington, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2G2
• Be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
  
  

To apply:

The Sqwa First Nation is an inclusive and equitable organization and encourages applications from qualified applicants, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code).

About TRIMARK

Trimark People Solutions is a national full-service HR, Recruitment, and Training firm offering professional (HR) services. Our firm's values and principles of diversity, equity, and Indigenous inclusion guide its work. Our teams provide on-demand and managed HR services across a broad spectrum of professional services, helping organizations achieve success through their people and talent development. For more information, visit trimarkps.ca