Family Support Worker

• Make a direct impact by advocating for Indigenous families and supporting their well-being through culturally grounded care
• Earn a competitive hourly wage of $26–$32, based on experience, with employer-matching pension and extended health benefits
• Grow in a supportive environment that values professional development and encourages work-life balance

At Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society, we are committed to building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures in the Cowichan Valley, fostering understanding and unity. Celebrating 50 years of service, we have been a vital community hub, offering counseling, information, and referral services in a welcoming space for education, recreation, and cultural connection.

Guided by our mission to promote the well-being of Aboriginal people, we offer a wide range of programs, from Healthiest Babies Possible and Youth Inclusion Projects to Addiction Services. Our initiatives empower individuals and families while also creating opportunities for Aboriginal leadership and cultural development. At Hiiye’yu Lelum, we believe in promoting resilience, inclusion, and growth, making us a vibrant force for positive change. Join our team to contribute to a purpose-driven organization that celebrates diversity and strengthens the community through innovative, culturally rooted programs.

For more information, please visit our website: hofduncan.org

Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society is looking for a full-time Family Support Worker based in Duncan, BC.

Reporting to the Family Support Worker (FSW) Program Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in advocating for Indigenous families and supporting them through critical challenges, including poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, historical trauma, and child protection concerns.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for providing direct advocacy, facilitating group support, and working collaboratively with community resources to ensure clients receive the assistance they need. A significant part of your role will involve attending meetings with child protection agencies, clarifying information for families, and ensuring they understand their rights and options.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing advocacy and support to Indigenous families navigating social services and child protection systems
• Facilitating parenting and support groups to promote wellness and community connections
• Liaising with external organizations and agencies to coordinate resources and referrals
• Assisting clients in addressing complex challenges, including historical trauma and systemic barriers
• Maintaining accurate records, including statistical reporting and database management in Nucleus
• Engaging with the community and promoting wellness initiatives to foster long-term support networks
• Ensuring professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical advocacy in all aspects of work

To read the full position description, please click here.

To qualify, you will need post-secondary education in social work, counselling, child and youth care, or a related field, with extensive experience in family support, advocacy, or social services. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.

The following are also required:

• Ability to undergo a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check
• A valid Class 5 license and a reliable vehicle - a class 4 license is considered an asset

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Strong advocacy skills, particularly in child protection and family services
• Thorough knowledge of local community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals
• Excellent communication, reporting, and computer skills, including experience with Nucleus or similar databases
• Experience supporting Indigenous families and understanding the systemic challenges they face, including intergenerational trauma, addiction, and housing insecurity
• Ability to facilitate parenting and support groups, providing guidance and education
• Awareness of trauma-informed approaches and the ability to support individuals facing crisis situations with empathy and sensitivity
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to personal wellness and self-care to navigate the emotional demands of the role, ensuring long-term resilience in a high-stakes environment

You are the steady voice in moments of crisis, offering clarity, compassion, and unwavering support. With deep empathy and adaptability, you build trust, ensuring families feel heard and empowered. Your ability to hit the ground running coupled with your resilience and emotional intelligence allow you to navigate trauma with care, while your strong communication skills help connect individuals to vital resources.

This work is a commitment to fostering resilience, well-being, and community connection. Through culturally grounded support, you will make a lasting impact, guiding families through complex systems with understanding and strength.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations or Indigenous ancestry.

Compensation based on skills and experience, is a competitive hourly wage of $26-$32, and a host of excellent benefits including:

• Group health coverage, including extended medical, dental, vision, and paramedical services
• Employer-matching pension plan, providing long-term financial security
• Generous vacation accrual and sick leave
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel within the community
• A supportive and culturally grounded workplace, prioritizing personal and professional development
• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact, advocating for Indigenous families and strengthening community connections

If you are driven by advocacy, resilience, and the desire to uplift Indigenous families, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact. Apply today!