The Agency:
Family Services of the North Shore is an accredited not-for-profit, community-based agency committed to making a deep and lasting impact in our community through counselling, support, education, and volunteer programs.
We understand the competing responsibilities of modern life. In every role, we will support both your commitment to our community and the very real need to take care of your family. We also understand that to take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. At Family Services of the North Shore, you can do both. We aim to provide a sustainable model of work-life balance across all our programs and services.
The Program:
Thrive Family Programs offer free low-barrier programs where parents and caregivers can play, learn, and connect with their children 0 to 6 years in an inclusive and culturally safe environment. Drop-in programs currently at both Maplewood and West Vancouver locations support healthy early child development and parenting efficacy, based on a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. We offer child-led play, songs and stories, snacks and lunch, parent education and support groups, resources and referrals, and a community exchange room on site. We also offer Parent-Child Mother Goose and Breastfeeding/Postpartum support in the community.
The Job:
You will be the lead facilitator for the weekly Breastfeeding & Postpartum Support group which is currently held on Thursday mornings from 10am-12pm at the North Vancouver City Library. You will be the lactation expert on the team, and you will offer breastfeeding expertise as well as support for new mothers/parents as they adjust to parenthood. You will create a warm and welcoming environment for all breastfeeding parents, plan discussion topics, facilitate parent discussion, address parent concerns, and share information about nutrition, infant development, peri-natal and infant mental health. You will provide referrals to Thrive Family Programs as well as other health professionals and community services as required. You will also provide follow-up to mothers requiring additional support at our Thrive Family Centre Maplewood location.
The group will be co-facilitated by a counsellor with experience and expertise in supporting parents during the transition to parenthood.
This contract is for up to 7 hours per week, including prep and cleanup.
The Candidate:
You are a certified Lactation Consultant (IBLCE) or working towards certification with a minimum of 2 years of experience providing lactation services to new mothers. You have excellent knowledge of infant development and parental mental health and experience facilitating groups for new parents.
In addition, you have:
- Experience working with parents of infants and young children.
- Competency in working with diverse populations, including Indigenous people.
- A working knowledge of community resources.
- The ability to work cooperatively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- The ability to model and support positive conflict resolution with children and adults.
- The ability to use good judgement, discernment and sensitivity when working with parents and referring them to health and community resources
- The ability to take initiative, be flexible, consult with co-workers and supervisors and make decisions dependent on program needs.
- The ability to carry 20 lbs and move furnishings as required.
Fluency in Farsi, Cantonese, or Mandarin in addition to English are assets.
Family Services of the North Shore is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities to apply to become part of our Agency.
Please respond, in confidence with cover letter and resume.
Reference ID: 21-2174
Part-time hours: 7 per week
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
COVID-19 considerations:
masks, social distancing, public health orders.
Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Experience:
- lactation services: 2 years (preferred)
- group facilitation: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- IBLCE (required)
Work remotely:
- No