CPO 18R - Community Integration Specialist – Closing Date Extended in Surrey

The Community Integration Services Branch is a dedicated and established team of Community Integration Specialists who work closely with frontline support workers, outreach staff, and emergency shelter coordinators. This team collaborates with a range of professionals, including Employment and Assistance Workers, community partners, and non-profit staff, to provide essential support to B.C.’s most underserved individuals. We value our team’s commitment to client-centered care and their efforts to meet clients where they are, ensuring they receive both financial assistance and help navigating complex social services.

Community Integration Specialists, in partnership with Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, work in the community 80-85% of their scheduled work week using in-reach and outreach approaches to connect individuals with services. You'll play a vital role in supporting individuals to navigate government systems and access necessary services, particularly within the province’s complex care housing sites. Your responsibilities will include intensive case management, expedited intakes, and coordinated housing inspections. This role is crucial in lowering barriers for those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, trauma, and addiction, fostering community integration and independence. By building meaningful relationships with diverse partners, you'll make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve. You will help continue the path to truth and reconciliation and be part of this as an Indigenous person working in government. Join us in our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and help create opportunities and reduce poverty.

In recognition of the critical importance to this role of a lived understanding of Indigenous communities, history, values and cultural competencies, this competition is restricted to self-identified Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). Secondary school graduation and 3 years related experience. Evergreen Certificate and 4 years related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Related experience must include at least two of the following and can be gained in either a community/volunteer or employment/customer service capacity:
• Providing services to Indigenous people who are living in poverty and may be experiencing homelessness.
• Providing services to Indigenous people who are experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Providing services to people with disabilities.
• Experience delivering services to/supporting Indigenous people.

Preference may be given to applicants who have one or more of the following:

• Experience working in a community-based role (i.e., outreach worker, shelter worker, health care worker, social worker, etc.)
• Experience working with local Indigenous practices.
• Experience working in community organizations, BC Friendship Centres, and/or with multiple service providers.
• Direct or indirect lived experience of addiction, poverty, homelessness, or mental health challenges.
• Experience using a trauma-informed approach to client service.

This position has full time on-site requirements. An eligibility list may be established for future temporary and/or permanent vacancies in Surrey and will be utilized exclusively by the Community Integration Services Branch. Successful applicants will be required to physically work in Surrey and will not be eligible to be placed elsewhere in the province by virtue of this competition. The Service Delivery Division provides a flexible work environment with many unique benefits, including a scheduled day off every two weeks. Enhanced Security Screening will be required. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

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 Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Your resume must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed. Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying. Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition.