FASD Key Worker

Looking for a passionate individual with FASD experience to support the Family Development Program at FRAFCA

About Us:

The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is a non-profit organization that provides a diverse range of culturally safe and supportive services to Aboriginal people in Surrey and the Fraser Salish region. The Friendship Centre works from a decolonizing perspective, and as such, works to strengthen family bonds between generations and within the family.

About Surrey:

The City of Surrey is one of 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We are located on the Lower Mainland on the south side of the Fraser River and share a border with the United States of America. Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.

Position Summary:

The primary role of the FASD KEYWORKER is provide support to Indigenous families of children and youth under the age 19 with complex developmental behavioral conditions (CDBC) including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and similar neurodevelopmental conditions in the Circle 5 Region. The candidate will work towards connecting clients with resources and services in the community as well other FRAFCA programs.

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)
• Access Work B.C Employers Training grants and other bursaries to fund training & other professional development
• Extended Health Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Travel) and Employee Assistance Plan after 3-months on continuous employment
• 10 annual paid sick/personal leave days
• Paid vacation days (up to 25 days based on years of service)
• Offices located along main transportation routes. Main office by the Skytrain station.
• Parking available on-site

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Make home visits to families and provide education and support about FASD and similar neurodevelopmental delays that is specific to the family’s needs.
• Teach families how to do a functional assessment of behavior including how to describe behavior, how to observe and take data on behavior, and how to understand the factors influencing behavior, such as the physical environment, time of day, child’s level of fatigue or hunger, child’s schedule, child’s communication abilities, persons interacting with the child, and what happens immediately following the behavior.
• Summarize functional assessment, describing data collected and logically links assessment data to a hypothesis regarding the function of the behavior. Records this information in behavioral support plan or Family Action Plan in a clinical and family-centered manner.
• Provide information and resource materials to parents/guardians on ways to blend traditional Aboriginal cultural practices and contemporary parenting practices effectively.
• Work with families to liaise with different FRAFCA programs, and external agencies or service providers through the referral process and on an ongoing basis.
• Will coordinate information and services where required and ensure that various service providers are consistent in approach and with the families’ wishes.
• Attend medical appointments for the child with the family when culturally appropriate or requested by the family.
• Work in conjunction with other professionals and early intervention services to support the child and family through family centered practice.
• Strengthen and support Aboriginal families in their role as decision makers on behalf of their children and themselves.
• Provide monthly statistical and narrative reports to the Program Manager.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• An undergraduate degree in a related field (i.e. child and youth care, early education, social work, etc.). An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered including years of service in the field, demonstrated experience, and combination of other relevant certifications as outlined below.
• Experience working with families and children with behavioral challenges
• Knowledge and skills required to assess behavior, develop strategies, and develop support plans
• Knowledge of FASD and Complex Behaviors
• Knowledge of services available in the community
• Experience or knowledge of counselling
• Well developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Competent Computer skills in Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a professional manner
• Strong organizational, time management and general management skills
• Strong commitment to a family-centered philosophy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in consultation with other professionals.
• Familiarity with Aboriginal culture, language and traditions an asset, as well as extensive knowledge of social-economic issues effecting urban Aboriginal children and families on and off reserve a requirement.
• Adhere to FRAFCA’s Code of Ethics
• Hold a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s license and have own reliable vehicle.
• Criminal record and review checks are required for all employees of FRAFCA

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We thank all that apply, but only those selected for interview will be contacted.

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

*****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”.