Roles we offer

Last updated on June 11, 2024

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has many roles dedicated to serving children and families in B.C. The more common classifications are in the social program officer positions that work in our community offices.

These roles require specific behavioural competencies. Competencies are used during the hiring process in the BC Public Service. To select the right people for the right jobs, the BC Public Service assesses key behavioural competencies as well as knowledge, skills and abilities.

Behavioural competencies applicable to most social program officer roles include ‘listening, understanding and responding’ as well as several Indigenous relations behavioural competencies, such as 'cultural agility,' 'self-discovery' and 'awareness.'

Social work roles at MCFD

Explore the different social work job positions within the ministry.

 

Child protection worker (social program officer 24-CP)

Child protection workers (CPW) specialize in the safety of children and youth through assessment and collaboration. They receive, assess and respond to concerns of child abuse and neglect by interviewing parents, children and youth, assessing strengths and needs, working with appropriate agencies, developing safety plans and determining if children or youth are in need of protection. This position works in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.

 

Guardianship worker (social program officer 24)

Guardianship workers develop and supervise comprehensive plans for children and youth in need of care. They work closely with caregivers and the children and youth in care while performing several job duties, such as informing caregivers of their responsibilities, monitoring the placement of children and providing guidance regarding children’s behaviour.

 

Adoption worker (social program officer 24)

Adoption workers specialize in developing adoption as a permanent option to meet the needs of children and youth in government care. Adoption social workers work with guardianship social workers to prepare children for adoption and develop adoption plans that meet the unique needs of individual children and youth. They also work with prospective adoptive parents to educate, assess and complete adoption home studies.

 

Resource worker (social program officer 24)

Resource workers are responsible for recruiting, developing and maintaining resources in which to place children in care. Duties of this role include retention of current resource providers, training new care providers, recognizing current resource providers, as well as increasing community awareness of fostering. Resource workers are also responsible for collaborating with Indigenous communities to offer services and programs in a culturally safe environment for Indigenous children and families.

 

Child and youth with support needs worker (social program officer 24)

Child and youth with support needs workers (CYSN) support children, youth and families in accessing services and funding for children and youth who need support care. The CYSN is responsible for a number of duties, such as confirming the eligibility of applicants for ministry funded services, supporting and enabling children and their families to access unfunded services and informal supports, as well as paid formal supports. They also work with the children and their families to resolve problems, create and implement plans, as well as support the building of networks of support and involvement in the community.

 

Youth probation officer (social program officer 24)

Youth probation officers (YPO) provide support and supervision to young people in conflict with the law and facilitate their rehabilitation by providing opportunities for pro-social development through a youth-focused case management process. YPOs assist the court by conducting investigations and assuming case management responsibilities.

Working collaboratively with a variety of professionals, including justice system staff, YPOs strive to meet the needs of youth and reduce the risk of re-offending behaviour by promoting programs aimed at the prevention of youth crime, as well as advocating for young offenders, assisting them to accept responsibility for their actions and arranging resources and programs.

 

Child and youth mental health clinician (social program officer 25/nurse 7/licensed psychologist)

Child and youth mental health clinicians (CYMH) work in partnership with families and communities to foster positive mental health outcomes and well-being for children and youth and their families. They provide direct services to children and youth, including risk assessments, safety plans and crisis intervention. Clinicians work in flexible ways, including in home, school and community settings.

In addition to the classification listed above, these positions may be filled by either a registered nurse or a licensed psychologist.

 

Team leader (social program officer 30)

Team leaders are responsible for the supervision, training and mentoring of a team and ensuring services are delivered in the community. They directly supervise staff (for example: social program officers, clinicians, nurses, psychologists, social program officer assistants), providing training and guidance for complex cases. This position requires expertise in the field along with strong leadership skills.

 

Director of operations (band 4)

The director of operations is responsible for the delivery of services to children, youth and families in a specific geographic area and/or for a specific service stream (for example: child protection, resources, CYSN, CYMH, youth justice). They directly supervise team leaders and are responsible for providing guidance and direction in complex cases.

They’re responsible for the operations of their teams, including managing the human and financial resources. This position requires strong leadership skills and expertise in child and youth care. This position also requires competency in Indigenous relationship building.