SPO 21R – Child Youth and Family Support Worker

The Team
The Smithers Child Protection team is a well-established, collaborative group dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in the community. Comprising five Child Protection Workers, one Out-of-Care Worker, one Child Youth and Family Support Worker, and one Team Leader, this team works closely with and is co-located with the internal Integrated Service Delivery team, including Resources, Guardianship, SAJE, CYMH, CYSN, and Adoptions. The team collaborates closely with Indigenous partners and community organizations to achieve the best outcomes for local children, youth, and families in Smithers and the surrounding area. Known for their supportive and team-oriented nature, they work from a community-centered approach to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing environments.

The Role
This  Child Youth and Family Support Worker role is a great opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in Child Services while gaining valuable experience for career growth. You will support the Child Protection team by preparing court documents, coordinating transportation and visitation, managing service requests, and connecting families with community-based supports. Your work will help ensure better coordination of services and strengthen family connections. As part of a supportive team focused on child safety, you’ll have the chance to build relationships with families and community partners in the beautiful Smithers area—an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts looking to balance meaningful work with an active lifestyle.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree* in Social Work or in Child & Youth Care
  OR
• Bachelor’s Degree* in a Human Services field (Human Services fields include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology and Nursing)
  OR
• Secondary School Graduation or Equivalent AND one of the following:
  • 2 years of post-secondary studies towards a degree, diploma or certificate in a related human services field or equivalent discipline (Human Services fields or equivalent include Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology and Nursing) PLUS a minimum of 2 years or more of related**work experience.
    OR
  • 1 year of post-secondary studies towards a degree, diploma or certificate in a related human services field or equivalent discipline (Human Services fields or equivalent include Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology and Nursing) PLUS a minimum of 3 years or more of related** work experience.
    OR
  • Minimum of 4 years or more of related** work experience.
     

*Bachelor’s Degree must be a 4 year degree or an equivalent number credits

**Related Work Experience:
The RELATED work experience may include experience working with children, youth, families or adults in any one or a combination of the following settings and/or may also include working with children and youth with a history of trauma and/or behavioural challenges:

• A child and family service agency that provides legislated services (child protection, guardianship, resources, family support or adoption);
• A social services agency on an Indigenous reserve, providing direct support services;
• A family services agency that provides assessment and counselling services;
• A contracted agency providing assessment, counselling and family support services;
• A specialized care setting for vulnerable adults, children, or youth that also involves direct work with families;
• A policing, probation or corrections setting;
• A mental health or healthcare setting providing assessment and counselling services;
• An education setting undertaking assessment and counselling services;
• A social services agency providing services to people with diverse abilities and vulnerable adults;
• A provincial agency dedicated to promoting safe and healthy workplaces providing services and support for injured workers.
   

Other Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with no restriction or equivalent (i.e. from another Canadian Province).
   

Preference may be given to applicants with the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree or 2 year diploma in Social Work or Child & Youth Care.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Experience working with Ministry Policy and Procedures and data management systems (e.g., ICM, MIS, etc.)
• Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous with the required combination of education and experience.
   

Important Information:

• All education credentials may be subject to verification and validation as per ministry process.
• In addition, if your education was obtained outside of Canada, you may need to have it assessed for equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Service. 
• Applicants who have not yet graduated but have completed all required courses and are able to provide a letter from their educational institution confirming completion of degree requirements may be considered.
   

Please refer to the Job Profile for the full list of willingness/ proviso requirements.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Robert.O.Mcdonald@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 2 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Smithers, on Highway 16, is home to activities like fishing, boating, camping, hiking, skiing, and shopping. The traditional territory of the  Wet’suwet’en people, whose relationship with the land and strong traditions continue to this day, Smithers is a small but welcoming community.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
This location is currently eligible for a retention incentive which is available to all regular permanent Social Program Officers residing in Hard to Recruit (HTR) designated communities across the province. In addition to the re-imbursement of relocation costs (where applicable), the incentive program provides the following:

• Up to a maximum of $6,000 annual lump sum payment to regular permanent full-time Social Program Officers in the SPO R18 to SPO R30 classifications* OR
• Up to a maximum of $3,000 annual lump sum payment to regular permanent full-time Social Program Officers placed in the SPO Growth Series (SPO Growth to SPO R24 classifications) **

*Full payment of the incentive is based on regular eligible classifications (SPO R18 to SPO R30) working in an approved location for the full fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). A pro-rated incentive payment may be provided to candidates who work a partial year and/or part-time hours.

**Full payment of the incentive is based on regular eligible classifications (SPO Growth Series) working in an approved location for the full fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). A pro-rated incentive payment may be provided to candidates who work a partial year and/or part-time hours.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:
Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above. Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting.

Cover Letter: NO – Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES – A resume is required as part of your application, however, it may not be used for initial shortlisting purposes.

Questionnaire: YES – You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.