Title: Assistant Director, Child & Family Services
Department: Child and Family Services ($93,475.00 to $101,556.00 per year)
Status: Regular Full-time
Pay Grid: Director
Reporting to: Director of Child and Family Services
Summary of Duties:
Reporting to the Director of Child and Family Services, the Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the strategic leadership and operational management of Lil'wat Nation’s Child and Family Services. This role involves assisting in the development, implementation, and oversight of effective, culturally informed programs and services that enhance family wellness and child protection within the community.
Key Deliverables and Expectations:
Facilitate collaboration and nurtures constructive working relationships with internal departments, Lil’wat staff, leadership, and external community service partners. Ensures alignment with strategic priorities and governance frameworks, including those guiding Child and Family Services, Transition House operations, HR, and financial policies
Leadership and Support
- Provide leadership and direction to First Nation Band Representatives and In-Home Support workers to work with families to assess situations, identify solutions, and develop and implement safety plans
- Support the Director in providing strategic direction and effective operational oversight to Child and Family Services and the Transition House.
- Foster positive working relationships with internal staff, external agencies, community members, and leadership.
- Mentor and guide management teams, enhancing professional development, promoting a positive workplace culture, and ensuring cultural safety.
Program and Service Delivery
- Take the lead in carrying out the mandate of Lil’wat Nation Council
- Engage in regular liaison with related programs and/or departments and external agencies to establish service coordination and planning for families
- Assist in overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and standards.
- Support quality monitoring and continuous improvement practices within all programs and services.
- Help develop and maintain effective emergency and crisis response plans, ensuring readiness and compliance.
Financial Management
- Contribute to the development, management, and monitoring of department budgets, adhering to financial policies.
- Support the preparation and submission of financial and operational reports.
- Aid in the pursuit of funding opportunities and manage resources effectively to optimize service delivery.
Strategic Development
- Full participation by providing directions to front-line professionals in court matters when Lil’wat Children and Families are involved with MCFD and/or Delegated Agencies
- Provide leadership in an active role to coordinate interdepartmental annual planning activities by assisting in the formulation of annual program goals and objectives for Lil’wat Child and Family Services
Support the execution of strategic initiatives and operational plans, ensuring alignment with community needs and priorities.
- Assist in managing contractual relationships and agreements, including service contracts with the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD).
- Participate in court proceedings, mediations, and family group conferences as needed.
Communication and Community Relations
- Maintain clear and effective communication within the department, the broader organization, and external partners.
- Act as an advocate for Child and Family Services within external forums, promoting Lil’wat Nation’s priorities and objectives.
- Enhance community awareness and engagement with available services and resources.
Other Responsibilities
- Promote resilience, empowerment, and culturally grounded practices within families and the wider community.
- Undertake additional duties assigned by the Director of Child and Family Services.
Experience and Attributes:
- Knowledge and understanding of child welfare systems in British Columbia, including the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA)
- Practice strict confidentiality, privacy, ethical, and non-bias approaches
- Degree in Social Work, Social Services, or a closely related discipline; Bachelor of Social Work preferred.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in planning, developing, and managing social service programs, including at least 3 years at a management or leadership level.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies, programs, and strategies in community social services.
- Familiarity and experience working with Indigenous communities, specifically understanding Lil’wat Nation’s culture, history, and traditions.
- Strong knowledge of applicable statutes, regulations, standards, and procedures relevant to child and family services.
- Excellent financial management, budgeting, and reporting skills.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and related software applications.
- Clear Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector clearance.
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License, clean driver’s abstract, and reliable transportation.