CULTURAL CONNECTIONS WORKER

JOB SUMMARY:

Working as part of a team, the Cultural Connections Worker will work to ensure that each child in care has a permanency plan is developed for each child under a Continuing Custody Order. Workers will build a care plan in response to each child/youth’s developmental and cultural needs with a focus on their Aboriginal identity and connection to their community. Working directly with children, youth, caregivers and families, an active and relevant cultural plan is not only developed, but its implementation is also supported. Cultural Connections Workers ensure that Permanency Plans are completed in a timely manner.

REPORTS TO: Family Development Program Manager

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Is actively involved in Long Term Placement Planning in collaboration with the case manager, Families, Communities, and Foster Parents.
• Completes a Cultural Plan and/or Cultural Package whenever required.
• Supporting the 'reclaiming' of Aboriginal children by their community.
• Identifying Aboriginal community and obtain First Nation status, Metis citizenship, Inuit NTI enrollment, cards, and any other registration, or affiliation documents.
• Connecting Aboriginal child and family with Aboriginal services and supports.
• Assist Social Workers and Resource Workers to convey care provision concerns and recommendations to foster parents and care providers
• Assist in organizing family meetings, Talking Circles, Family Group Conferences or other forms of gatherings to develop short and long-term plans for Aboriginal Children.
• Facilitating children and youth's connections with local representatives of their Aboriginal community as a way of providing mentoring and role modeling.
• Assist extended families and Aboriginal communities to maintain an ongoing connection to their children / youth so that the capacity to plan and provide care for their children is enhanced and lifelong relationships are supported
• Facilitate cultural ceremonies within the Aboriginal community, which respects, honours, and formalizes the reclaiming of a child in care's traditional identity
• To provide supportive professional relationships with the parents and extended family of the children in the program’s care
• Work with children and families to provide cultural teachings and assist in the development and implementation of cultural components to the program using the Medicine Wheel and Seven Sacred Teachings.
• Provide workshops to the Fostering Parents on cultural identity for the child in care.
• Facilitate cultural activities to individuals, groups and during large community and agency events.
• Engages in collaborative community partnerships to promote cultural teachings and practice.
• Make referrals to community resources
• Participate in team meetings, agency meetings and training deemed necessary for this position.
• Adheres to the policies and standards of Spirit of the Children Society, as established in policy and program manuals, Health & Safety Guidelines, job descriptions, written memos, and verbal agreements.
• Maintain an appropriate record and information system. Prepare annual program reports and provide accurate data when needed. Ensure that accurate program and client records are maintained and that confidentiality is a priority. Ensure that all pertinent registration requirements and documentation is complete.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Knowledge Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); or degree in a related human services relevant field
• Experience working with children, youth and families.
• An outgoing, energetic individual who is a team player and has an excellent understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions.
• Group facilitation and instructional experience.
• Administrative, computer and office skills.
• Reliable transportation and current valid Driver’s License and willing to obtain business insurance and liability coverage.
• Driver’s Abstract required.
• Criminal records check required.

EXPERIENCE

• Outgoing, energetic individual with strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a dynamic working environment; self-motivated personality; ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal communities, organizations and service providers within the Circle 6 area.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and urban Aboriginal culture, traditions, history, and issues required.
• A strengths based, solution oriented, and family centered approach is required.
• Reliable transportation and current valid BC Driver’s License and willing to obtain business insurance and liability coverage.