The Songhees Nation, whose 600 members we serve are Ləkʷəŋən People identified as Coast Salish, delivers holistic services including education, health, child and family support, counseling, housing, and cultural connections. Our vision is a healthy, self-reliant, progressive community that honours tradition and culture and invests in future generations. If you’d like to join a committed team doing meaningful work in an Indigenous community, we want to hear from you!

WHO YOU ARE

You’re a caring professional who wants to make a difference by providing safe culturally appropriate care for individuals and families. You are a highly organized individual who is proficient in Microsoft office, has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and you easily establish a mutual rapport and respect with the individuals’ families you work with. You understand the importance of collaborative approaches to community support services and thrive in a team setting.

You have excellent judgment, allowing you to assess situations effectively and provide appropriate resources or referrals to meet your clients’ needs while maintaining confidentiality.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Reporting to the Director of Child and Family Services Division within the Child and Family Services (CFS) department, the Band Designate Assistant provides comprehensive support to the Band Designate.

The Band

Designate acts as a bridge, ensuring that First Nation children and families receive culturally appropriate supports and services within the child welfare system. As the primary point of contact between the Nation and external child welfare agencies, the Designate brings forward the voices, values, and priorities of the Nation to all decision-making tables.

The Band Designate

Assistant is an integral part of the CFS team, ensuring we use a collaborative approach to providing services to Songhees Nation individuals, families, and children.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE





- Completed one of the following or is currently enrolled in: Indigenous Family Support, Post-secondary certificate or diploma in Office Administration, Social Work, or related field
- Experience working within Indigenous communities
- Current First Aid/CPR certificate
- A clean Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is required as a condition of employment
- Knowledge of The Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) and reporting requirements
- Demonstrates ability to maintain an effective work relationship with families, colleagues, service providers, and regulatory program advisors
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with other team members
- Knowledge and understanding of Songhees Nation culture, heritage, and spirituality as well as the unique circumstances faced by Songhees members and the community.
- Valid class 5 BC driver’s license

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency in Word and Excel are essential for this position.
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and relational practices.
- Familiarity with First Nations governance, community development, and the intergenerational impacts of colonization.
- Demonstrated experience working with Child, Youth, and Family centered programs.
- Experience supporting and advising individuals, with the ability to build rapport and serve as a positive role model.
- Good understanding of challenges of working in community, including mental health, abuse, and substance misuse.




- Experience implementing educational, recreational, and skill building programming for individuals and families to foster growth and wellness.
- Knowledge of The Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) and reporting requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all data protection standards.
- Proficiency in maintaining accurate records, reports, and documentation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a team-oriented approach to working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge and understanding of Songhees Nation culture, heritage, and spirituality as well as the unique circumstances faced by community members and their families.
- Knowledge of local and regional service providers (e.g., MCFD, NIȽ TU,O, health, education, legal and housing supports).

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Band Designate Assistant will work alongside the Band Designate providing support to individuals and families. The hours 37.5 hours per week, between Monday to Friday from 8:30pm to 4:30pm, but will require flexibility for special circumstances and program requirements. Some travel required for community visits, court, and external meetings. Combination of office and community-based work environment.

Songhees Nation is committed to increasing the number of members working for the Nation. Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who are Songhees Nation members, or those with Indigenous ancestry.

If you require an accommodation as part of the recruitment process, please email [email protected]

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits

- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Experience:
- Indigenous Family Support and/or Social Work: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Class 5 Drivers License (required)
- First Aid/CPR Certificate (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Band Designate Assistant (Victoria)
🏢 SONGHEES FIRST NATION
📍 Victoria