First Nation Representative

Classification: Band 4 — Coordinator / Technician

Reports To: Director, Health & Social Services

Location: hitac̓u (Ittatsoo), BC

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Band: Band 4 ($56,182 – $84,272 · $28.81 – $43.22/hr)

POSITION PURPOSE

The First Nation Representative is an advocate and support person for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ children, youth, young adults, and families. The role walks alongside families to ensure their voices are heard, their rights under provincial, territorial, and federal legislation are upheld, and that any services they receive from outside agencies are culturally grounded and family-centered. The focus is on advocacy, prevention, cultural connection, and helping families navigate systems. The role also supports community members with citizenship, registration, and reconnection to the Nation.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Advocacy & Family Support

• Walk alongside Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ children, youth, young adults, and families to advocate for their rights, voice, and well-being when they are engaged with outside systems.
• Help families understand their rights under provincial, territorial, and federal legislation and support them in exercising those rights.
• Identify systemic barriers affecting Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ families and advocate for equitable, culturally safe access to programs and supports.

Notification & Nation Involvement

• Ensure the Nation is notified and meaningfully involved when outside agencies are making decisions that affect a Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ child, youth, or family.
• Attend planning meetings, family conferences, and other proceedings at the invitation of the family or the Nation to ensure the Nation's voice is at the table.
• Support families to prepare for meetings so they feel informed, respected, and heard.

Prevention, Family Preservation & Cultural Connection

• Promote prevention-focused, family-centered approaches that strengthen families early and reduce the likelihood of outside intervention.
• Support children and youth to stay safely connected with parents, siblings, extended family, and community whenever possible.
• Facilitate connections to culture — teachings, language, ceremonies, Elders, land-based activities, and cultural practices — as a foundation for family well-being.

Service Navigation & Community Referrals

• Help families navigate and connect with community resources such as housing, mental health, addictions supports, parenting programs, and financial assistance.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, health providers, schools, and other service providers to coordinate holistic supports.
• Educate service providers and community partners on Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ rights, cultural safety, and the importance of culturally responsive services.

Citizenship, Registration & Reconnection Support

• Support eligible individuals and families in navigating the federal registration process under the Indian Act, including information, documentation, and referrals through Indigenous Services Canada.
• Assist community members with the Nation's citizenship or membership application process, including guidance on eligibility and gathering supporting documentation.
• Support efforts to reconnect individuals and families separated from their communities through the Sixties Scoop or other historical and ongoing colonial policies, respecting the Nation's citizenship laws and governance processes.

Role Focus & Approach

• Center advocacy, prevention, cultural connection, and family-centered support in every interaction.
• Walk alongside families with respect, transparency, and clear communication about the role's purpose.
• Maintain respectful boundaries with families, agencies, and community partners, and refer to appropriate professionals when matters fall outside the scope of advocacy and support.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Human Services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and lived/community experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of provincial, territorial, and federal child and family services legislation, including An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (C-92).
• Experience working with First Nations children, youth, and families in advocacy, support, or case work capacities.
• Strong understanding of the impacts of colonization, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the child welfare system on Indigenous families.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Valid BC Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ culture, language, history, and governance structures.
• Experience navigating MCFD, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, and the court system.
• Training in trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, mediation, or restorative approaches.
• Experience supporting Indian Act registration and First Nation membership/citizenship processes.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Advocacy & rights-based practice
• Cultural safety & humility
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach
• Relationship building & collaboration
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Sound judgement, discretion & confidentiality
• Organization, documentation & case management
• Self-directed with strong ethical grounding

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Combination of office, community, home visit, and court settings.
• Regular travel between hitac̓u, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, and surrounding communities.
• Work may involve exposure to emotionally difficult subject matter; self-care and clinical supervision supported.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for community events, family meetings, or urgent matters.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ cultural protocols, ceremonies, and governance.
• Commitment to upholding the Nation's seven core values in day-to-day practice.
• Willingness to work alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural advisors.

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work expected. YG reserves the right to amend and update responsibilities to meet operational needs. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens are encouraged to apply.