Sqwá First Nation - Family Representative (Full-Time, Permanent) Sqwá First Nation is seeking a dedicated and culturally grounded Family Representative to provide advocacy and support to Sqwá children, youth, and families involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Xyólheméylh - Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society, and other designated child and family service agencies.

Reporting to the Director of Social Services, the Family Representative works to ensure the rights, heritage, cultural traditions, identity, and well-being of Sqwá First Nation children and families are respected and protected throughout child welfare matters. The position represents Sqwá First Nation membership children, regardless of location, including participation in administrative and court proceedings.

The Family Representative will also support Sqwá First Nation in exploring readiness to exercise jurisdiction over Child and Family Services (CFS) and in developing CFS programs prior to coordination and agreement discussions.

Duties And Responsibilities

- Serve as the primary contact between Sqwá First Nation and child and family service providers.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of Sqwá children, youth, and families, including needs related to culture, land, geography, and the impacts of historical and contemporary disadvantages.
- Build and maintain meaningful cultural, family, and community connections for children, youth, and families involved with the child and family services system.
- Support the reunification of Sqwá children and youth in care with their families.
- Support Sqwá children, youth, and families who are involved or at risk of involvement with child and family services, including those living outside their home communities and across different jurisdictions.
- Support youth and young adults with post-majority care and transition planning.
- Participate in child and family services administrative processes and court proceedings.
- Access appropriate legal resources to represent Sqwá First Nation's interests in child and family services matters.
- Receive and respond to notices under applicable provincial, territorial, and federal child and family services legislation.
- Help families identify and access prevention supports and other community resources.
- Support customary care, kinship care, and alternative care arrangements.
- Provide or arrange alternative dispute resolution processes, including circle processes and Indigenous approaches.
- Participate in developing and monitoring service plans, including safety plans,



permanency plans, after-care plans, and youth transition/post-majority care plans.
- Monitor agreements with child and family service providers relating to individual children, youth, and families.
- Complete and submit required internal and external program reporting.
- Participate in Sqwá First Nation policy development and decision-making related to children and family services.
- Develop and deliver meaningful, culturally relevant programs that respond to the needs and interests of individuals and families in the community.
- Plan and coordinate programming that supports life skills, cultural teachings, family connections, and community engagement.
- Create welcoming opportunities for community members to gather, connect, and participate in activities and community initiatives.
- Gather feedback and monitor participation to ensure programs remain meaningful, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
- Maintain accurate and current participant and program information using the RedMane data system, including participant notes, program participation, and relevant service information.
- Maintain confidentiality and appropriate documentation practices when recording and managing participant information.
- Develop, implement, and support compliance with Sqwá First Nation Family Representative policies and practices.
- Assist with the management of Family Representative budgets and expenditures.
- Support meeting coordination, agenda development, and meeting notes for the Sqwá Children and Family Committee, Xyólheméylh meetings, and other relevant meetings.

Qualifications

- Certificate, Diploma, or higher education in a related field such as Social Work, Human Justice, Law, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in human services.
- Minimum 1 year of management experience.
- Experience working within First Nations communities.
- Knowledge and understanding of First Nations Child and Family Services.
- Knowledge of Act 92, First Nations policies and legislation, AOPSI, the B.C. Child, Family and Community Service Act, and other relevant legislation.
- Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary issues affecting First Nations, including Residential Schools,



the Sixties Scoop, and government policies impacting First Nations.
- Strong planning, community mobilization, and intercultural communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and ability to collaborate effectively in challenging circumstances.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal direction.
- Strong commitment to confidentiality and professional documentation practices.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Outlook, Zoom, and Windows.
- Knowledge of supports and resources available within the community.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence with a clean Driver's Abstract.
- Current CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Knowledge of and respect for Stó:lō culture, traditions, and language is considered an asset.
- Friendly, cooperative, professional, and respectful approach when working with children, families, community members, service providers, and colleagues.

Compensation & Work Schedule

- Status: Full-Time, Permanent
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Salary: $31.20 - $42.00 per hour
- Location: Sqwá First Nation, Chilliwack, BC
- Reports To: Director of Social Services
- Start Date: ASAP

Professional Development Sqwá First Nation encourages lifelong learning and supports employees in pursuing professional development opportunities. Employees are encouraged to discuss development opportunities with their supervisor, and additional training may be provided or required to ensure skills continue to meet current and future organizational needs. To Apply Sqwá First Nation is an inclusive and equitable organization and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code). If you are a member of Sqwá First Nation, please indicate this on your application.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter in confidence .

About Trimark People Solutions Trimark People Solutions is a national full-service HR, Recruitment, and Training firm offering skilled HR services. Our firm's values of diversity, equity, and Indigenous inclusion guide our work as we support organizations in building strong, people-focused workplaces.

📌 Family Representative (Chilliwack)
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