About the Organization

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to servicing the needs of Aboriginal people residing in the Prince George area and improving the quality of life in the community as a whole. Offering a broad range of services, which includes educational, employment, health and social programs, the PGNFC has been providing culturally appropriate programming to meet the community’s unique and diverse needs for over 41 years.

PGNFC is a multifaceted organization employing over 200 people and has grown to be one of the largest and busiest community service delivery agencies in Prince George. Providing services to approximately 200,000 ‘Friends of the Centre’ annually, the PGNFC has seen many of their ‘Friends’ come through their programs and go on to become staff at the Centre.

To learn more about how our people make a difference in the community, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

The PGNFC is currently seeking two, full time early childhood educators to join their team in Prince George, BC.

ASCD Support Worker

As a Support Worker for Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD), you will work effectively with an integrated team, as well as independently, to implement child specific strategies, activities and plans to support children with a developmental delay in physical, cognitive, social or behavioural areas to fully participate in a childcare setting.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Providing physical, emotional, intellectual and social support for children and families, including the provision of assistance through transition times and within all program activities;
• Demonstrating positive adult/child interactions and building positive relationships with children and their families;
• Maintaining on-going communication with all team members and maintaining a positive, professional and non-judgmental attitude;
• Introducing cultural activities and materials when opportunities present themselves;
• Completing administrative duties, including observations, screenings, daily notes, and written reports; and
• Planing, implementing and evaluating daily activities and experiences to meet goals and objectives for children with extra support needs, as well as ensuring that journals, communication books and progress reports are current.

To qualify for this role, you must have the following:

• Early Childhood Education (or in the process of completing ECE), Special Needs, Certified Education Assistant or related humanities certificate or diploma;
• Knowledge of child development and an understanding of special needs, as well as relevant experience working in an inclusive childcare setting;
• Knowledge of family centered practice and an ability to develop a warm, caring, responsive relationship with children and their parents;
• Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and history, as well as an understanding of anti-bias issues. Knowledge of local culture and the ability to work with families and community service agencies; and
• A clear understanding of, and adherence to, the Early Childhood Educators of BC code of ethics.

AIFDP Consultant

As a Consultant for the Aboriginal Infant and Family Development Program (AIFDP), you will work effectively with an integrated team, as well as independently, to provide advocacy and support for children and families.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Facilitating children’s learning through providing various play based activities which enhance and promote early literacy, math and science skills, emotional literacy, and overall child development;
• Providing home-based programming and visiting for families;
• Model positive adult/child interactions;
• Implementing developmental screenings and assessments such as the Battelle, Ages and Stages Questionnaire in order to inform families of a child’s development and plan for positive outcomes in all developmental domains;
• Making referrals to community resources such as Speech and Language, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aboriginal Supported Child Development;
• Assisting families with the transition to Kindergarten by empowering parents to advocate for their child, providing information about the school and attending team meetings with school staff;
• Promoting A healthy lifestyle by ensuring the Canada Food Guide recommendations are followed, participating in community gardens, educating children and families about nutrition, and modeling healthy choices;
• Assisting with arranging transportation for families to and from medical appointments and program activities;
• Researching, planning, and facilitating parent education opportunities;
• Partnering with Elders and other community resources to organize and deliver cultural education in all areas of curriculum for the children and their families;
• Assisting with community and program education opportunities on various topics, including FASD, ECD, harm reduction, and prenatal care;
• Assisting with the development of strategies to improve recruitment and retention of Aboriginal Early Childhood Development professionals;
• Mentoring and evaluating students from various disciplines, including Early Childhood Education;
• Ensuring the program has appropriate resources and materials, including assisting with the operation of the clothing exchange and the toy and equipment lending resource library; and
• Keeping and reporting any necessary documentation and statistics as requested.

To qualify for this role, you must have the following:

• Early Childhood Education and experience in the field of Early Childhood Development (Infant Toddler certification is a definite asset);
• Knowledge of child development and an understanding of special needs, as well as relevant experience working in an inclusive childcare setting;
• Knowledge of family centered practice and an ability to develop a warm, caring, responsive relationship with children and their parents;
• Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and history, as well as an understanding of anti-bias issues. Knowledge of local culture and the ability to work with families and community service agencies; and
• A clear understanding of, and adherence to, the Early Childhood Educators of BC code of ethics.

Imperative to your success in either role is your ability to ensure that all Program Policies and Procedures are upheld and that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal record check and must hold a valid child specific First Aid/CPR certificate. A valid BC driver’s licence is essential, as is access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to and from child care facilities. Successful candidates will also be required to participate in PGNFN training.

About the Benefits

In return for your hard work and dedication, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre offers a competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications, as well as a great benefit package, which includes:

• Full medical, dental and vision benefits (premium shared 50/50 with employer)
• Vacation and sick pay paid at 8% (after 3-month probationary period)

That’s not all. When you join our team, you’re joining a dynamic and compassionate team committed to facilitating individual, family and community growth, well-being and mutual understanding through the “power of friendship”. You will also enjoy the stability of a full time, Monday to Friday role.

If you share these values and want to use your skills and experience while working with a highly regarded community service delivery agency, Apply Today!

To be considered for either role, please apply by Friday, May 8th, 2015

Please apply online at www.applyfirst.ca/job67167