Job Summary
Working from an Indigenous Worldview and under the supervision of the Director of Family Development and Food Security as part of the Early Childhood Development team, the Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison will act as a liaison with community professionals and resources involved with supporting Indigenous students and their families within the schools, and develop working relationships to best support Indigenous students in achieving school outcome goals and objectives related to an individualized education/service plan. This position will be with elementary and middle schools.

Roles and Responsibilities
As an Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison, job duties include the following but are not limited to:

Advocates and liaisons for Indigenous students and their families between home and school environments

Provides a range of formal and informal school and community liaison services from a holistic lens

Acts in a non-curricular/non-teaching capacity in the school and in the community while providing advocacy and liaison support services to Indigenous students and their families at their school

Connects and collaborates with appropriate referral sources

Includes Indigenous Youth resources in schools that are culturally safe and relevant

Is available for support when identified as necessary by a school-based case management team or Indigenous Education Department (IED).

Develops relationships with the IED Counsellor Consultants at each level for support and advocacy

Develops working relationships with school staff, the IED, and the contracted agency to support advocacy for Indigenous Students and families guided by IED frameworks and 1701 audit criteria

Provides reporting as determined by the school and VNFC requirements

Maintains accurate case files and case management plans

Works collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and networks with other resources to promote holistic health and wellness within the family system and workplace

Represents the VNFC in a respectful manner at all times.

Maintains confidentiality

Documents and reports activity in alignment with VNFC practices and supports internal and external reporting as required





Attends relevant professional training and meetings when directed

Participates in staff development, staff meetings and department meetings as required

Participates in data collection and evaluation tasks as requested

Knowledge and Skills

Familiarity and experience in Indigenous Communities

Knowledge of Indigenous culture and practices; in particular those of the current individual filling this role, or those communities previously served by this person, and some knowledge of the practice and beliefs of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw first peoples.

Awareness of issues affecting Indigenous youth and communities

Awareness of the dynamics of active and ongoing substance use, sexual abuse, family violence (including child abuse and neglect), grief, suicide, depression, healing and recovery

Knowledge and practice of providing community-based services to Indigenous peoples using philosophies of cultural humility and cultural safety

Experience working with Indigenous children/youth aged 6-15

Communication Skills and Abilities

Ability to work in a team environment

Demonstrated skills in report writing and documentation

Excellent written communication skills with the ability to independently write reports, presentations, electronic correspondence, and other forms of professional communication

Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients and the general public

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Leadership Skills and Abilities

Provides positive role modeling and practices from a trauma-informed, client-centered and decolonial lens.

Must be reliable and self-motivated





Ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team and in partnership with a variety of agencies

Ability to multi-task while remaining composed and maintaining a professional attitude in high stress situations

Proven ability to work independently and be part of an integrated community team and in partnership with a variety of organizations

Demonstrated success in interventions, crises, and outcomes

Program Abilities and Knowledge

Working knowledge of the Indigenous StudentWellness Framework

Working knowledge of available resources withinthe district, VNFC, and broader community, and development of workingrelationship with the providers of these services

Supports IED and school-based staff regardingIndigenous students’ family, peer, emotional and community connections and howthey impact students’ school connections

Familiar with program planning, development, andevaluation

Must maintain professional standards andmaintain confidentiality with respect to families and work

Due to physical requirements of the work, theincumbent must spend a major portion of the workday standing, walking, and orsitting as well as possible bending or stretching and lifting

Knowledge and ability to work ethically andmaintain professional boundaries when working with vulnerable clients

Qualifications
Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Work, Counselling and/or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience

Two to four years of related experience and/or training related to education, social work and/or counselling will be considered

Work Experience

Relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and/or non-profit organizations

Working knowledge of federal, provincial and Indigenous organizations mandated to provide health, education, counselling, and Child and Family services

Licenses and/or Certificates

Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license

Clean Driver’s record

Standard First Aid certification an asset

Other

Must provide a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check

As this is outreach work, incumbent must have reliable transportation

Proof of vaccination may be required

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📌 Indigenous Youth and Family Liaison -Elementary and Middle School (British Columbia)
🏢 Victoria Native Friendship Centre
📍 British Columbia