Family Liaison [Full Time]

Job Title: Family Liaison [Full Time]

Program: Family

Position Class: Scale 2

Reports to: Family Team Lead

Hours: 37.5 hours / week, Monday-Friday (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)

Type: Regular, Full Time

Wage Rate: $28.50/hr, fully funded benefits after 3-month probation

About CVIMS:

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language and community programs. We are client-driven and committed to being accessible and responsive to, as well as reflective of, our diverse community.

Job Summary:

The Family Liaison supports newcomer families, children, and youth by fostering strong partnerships between home, early learning and school environments. This hybrid role combines childminding support with family settlement and school liaison responsibilities. The Family Liaison provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that promotes the development of children and youth, family engagement, and successful community integration. Through advocacy, coordination, and direct service delivery, the role helps families access resources, navigate community and educational systems, and build meaningful connections within their new communities.  

Key Responsibilities:

Child Development & Care

• Support the planning and delivery of developmentally appropriate programming for newcomer children aged 12 months to 5 years. 
• Provide safe, inclusive and nurturing childminding services that support children’s social, emotional and developmental wellbeing.
• Observe and document children’s progress and milestones, sharing insights with families to support learning at home. 

Family Engagement & Settlement Support

• Build positive relationships with newcomer families and support their engagement in children’s learning and development.
• Assist families in accessing school, settlement, language, healthcare and community services.
• Identify barriers faced by families within the school system and provide referrals to appropriate services.
• Advocate for children and families navigating educational, developmental or community support systems.
• Organize workshops, family events and educational activities that reflect funder requirements, community needs, and cultural diversity.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of children and families. Collect feedback to inform program evaluation and adjust strategies as needed to ensure positive outcomes for children, youth and families.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Collaborate closely with the CVIMS Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) and Case Management teams to ensure the needs of families are met, equipping them with information and resources to support their community integration.
• Liaise with educators and community partners to support families and youth in school settings.
• Participate in case conferences, team meetings and multidisciplinary planning processes as required.
• Serve as a liaison between our childminding centre and families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for parents/caregivers.

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain detailed client records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies and privacy legislation. 
• Track client interactions, referrals, and program outcomes using agency databases and reporting systems.
• Support agency reporting by sharing success stories, program challenges, and accurate client data.
• Submit purchase requests, receipts and financial claims to the designated approvers.

Equity & Professional Practice

• Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices in all aspects of service delivery.
• Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, code of ethics and all other professional codes of conduct.
• Work collaboratively as part of the CVIMS team to ensure agency and client success.
• Follow CVIMS protocols for reporting and communication.
• Participate in all staff meetings, training sessions and professional development opportunities.
• And such further duties and responsibilities as may be communicated by CVIMS from time to time.

Required Education, Certifications, and Experience:

• Minimum diploma or 1-2 years post-secondary education in children & youth care, early childhood education, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum 1-2 years experience in children & youth services, including intake and needs assessments.
• Demonstrated understanding of Canadian education system and the unique challenges faced by newcomer students and families.
• Training in trauma-informed care and / or experience working with vulnerable populations including survivors of war, violence or trauma.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trust and rapport across diverse populations. Excellent spoken and written English required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Training or demonstrated proficiency using client databases, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Teams, and other digital tools.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and reliable transportation required for regional travel.
• Vulnerable sector criminal record check on file with CVIMS required.
• First Aid Level 1 (working children) required.
• Responsible Adult Certificate is required.

Preferred Skills, Abilities, and Assets:

• Strong organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Planning, program development, mentorship and leadership skills to inspire youth towards achieving their goals and aspirations.
• Additional qualifications and / or training in trauma-informed practice are considered an asset.
• GBA+ certification is valued.
• Fluency in a second language would be an asset.
• Priority will be given to applicants who are eligible to work in Canada for minimum 3 years.
• Accountable individual who adheres to agency policies and procedures.
• Attitudes and values in keeping with the CVIMS vision and goals.

Additional Information:

• Travel within Nanaimo Regional District and surrounding region will be required. Occasional travel to locations in other parts of British Columbia and/or Canada for purposes like professional development, networking, program delivery or conferences may also be required.
• Some work outside of regular office hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required. Flex time schedules will be made to accommodate non-regular work hours. This position is eligible for overtime in accordance with the BC Employment Standards Act. All overtime must be approved in advance.
• Fully funded health/dental benefits and group RRSP available after 3-month probation.
• This is a full-time position, 37.5 hours / week, working a varied schedule.