About FRAFCA:
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 qicəy (Katzie), qʷɑ:nƛən (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.
Position Summary:
The Complex Needs Connections Navigator is responsible for coordinating, developing, and planning delivery of the complex disabilities program. Primarily this position is responsible for providing support to Indigenous peoples with diagnosed and undiagnosed complex disabilities including FASD and other similar conditions. Position will be provided to support individuals through support coordination, case management and outreach support. This cultural and support planning will include Housing & navigation supports, Health & wellness navigation supports, Assistance navigating, Connection with Elders & culture bearers and Sweats, ceremonies, & other supports that promote wellness & abstinence. Promoting community Inclusion across organizations & communities may yield additional provider/vendor relationships. Ultimately, providing better outcomes for individuals dealing with complex needs/issues. Culturally safe services are available for Indigenous individuals and feel comfortable accessing services. This project will help engage Service Providers with experience in services provided to high risk, substance using, street involved individuals who may not otherwise access services. Using best practices of a harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches, the connections navigator builds relationships with program participants to provide support, referrals, information, crisis intervention, and enhanced wellness for those in need. Finally, the incumbent is a strong starter, with demonstrated passion for the work and has a proven track record of supporting those with complex disabilities to achieve stability and independence.
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 WorkBC 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) as per FRAFCA HR policies
- Flexible work hours
- Offices located along main transportation routes; main office by the Skytrain station
- Parking available on-site
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
Program Development (10%)
- Developing a tracking system
- Developing promotional materials including a branding concept
- Participating in program development through collaboration with the management team and making recommendations to create and enhance programming designed for marginalized individuals overcoming multiple barriers including substance abuse and mental health issues.
- Embedding cultural practices within the programs
- Engaging Elders, and other facilitators to provide culturally appropriate workshops and sessions.
Community Development, Outreach and Networking (30%)
- Facilitating community partnerships with an aim towards aligning a coordinated, client-centered community support system for shared community clients.
- Developing working relationships with key organizations such as Lookout and CLBC
- Developing an interagency committee to act as a sounding board.
Case Management and Advocacy (50%)
- Acting as an advocate for clients, assisting with forms and services such as ID assistance, housing & MSP, PWD and Community Living BC.
- Supporting clients (be their safe person) as they navigate through addictions and mental health issues and services
- Participating in connecting individuals into transitional housing and community-based programs that are designed to support personal growth and independence with dignity
- Working with clients to assist in CLBC assessment process Work for you
- Developing an intensive caseload of 15 clients and have weekly contact.
- Making referrals and working alongside community housing organizations
- Recording and reporting case histories and program statistics
- Participating in Program Eligibility meetings with clients and management
- Fostering positive relationships with clients based on patience, empathy, dignity, mutual respect and confidentiality.
- Ensuring clients are connected to cultural supports and programs
- Providing cultural opportunities that expose client to Indigenous ceremonies and practices on a regular basis.
- Working with clients to liaise with different FRAFCA programs, and external agencies or service providers through the referral process and on an ongoing basis.
- Assisting clients to identify the services they require and assist them in navigating access to services, including advocating for clients
- Supporting clients in transitional housing to independent living
- Attending appointments with clients, advocating for supports, supporting with documentation
- 1-1 weekly check ins with clients to ensure ongoing goal completion
Administration (10%)
- Maintain accurate logs and compile statistical records to support program needs and inform ongoing program development and evaluation.
- Building and maintaining a network of positive working relationships with other community service providers and community groups to support program delivery, effective referrals, and good continuum of care.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- An undergraduate degree in a related field (i.e. social work, psychology, complex needs & behaviors, 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.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in working with complex behaviors and disabilities
- Experience working in a non-profit environment an asset.
- Must have (or be willing to obtain within 90 days) a valid First Aid Certificate.
- Must have a class 5 driver’s license, own reliable transportation, and a clear driver’s abstract.
- A Criminal Record Check and review is a requirement of all employees of FRAFCA.
Key Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Knowledge of complex behavior and disabilities assessment tools.
- A demonstrated working knowledge of obtaining diagnosis for disabilities and complex behaviors; knowledge of agencies and organizations to support diagnosis, additions, mental health, homelessness, and assessments.
- Knowledge and skills required to assess behaviour, develop strategies, and develop support plans
- Knowledge of Aboriginal communities, organizations, and service providers the Circle 5 area (Surrey/Delta/ White Rock Region).
- Knowledge of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, identities, and lived history.Ability to work in a performance-based system with a proven track record of meeting targets and outcomes is essential.
- Demonstrated cultural competency and understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, traditions, and knowledge of socio-economic barriers, family dynamics, and history of colonization.
- Well developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and ambiguity.
- Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict management skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work with the demands of a diverse team environment cross-cultural setting.
- Proven organizational and planning skills (project management).
- Team Player and able to work with a diverse range of people and personalities.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent general administration skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Flexibility in work schedule and location.
- Able to travel and outreach through Surrey.
We thank all the applicants, but only those selected for interview will be contacted.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Open until suitable candidate is found and the position is filled.
*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”.
Pay: $29.14-$32.14 per hour
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
