ROLE DESCRIPTION
ASSOCIATE DEPTY REPRESENTATIVE,
ADVOCACY, ABORIGINAL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Role Description
Office of the Representative for Children and Youth
Associate Deputy Representative, Advocacy, Aboriginal and
Community Relations
Purpose of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth:
The Representative for Children and Youth is an independent Officer of the Legislature,
and is non-partisan, objective and independent of the government of the day. The
Representative is accountable to the Legislative Assembly and has powers to conduct
inquiries and investigations. Through active study and open and constant engagement
with issues of concern to children and youth, the Representative seeks support for
change initiatives from the government and the public.
The Office has a statutory mandate under the Representative for Children and Youth
Act (the Act) to:
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Advocate for and promote a child-centered philosophy with respect to designated
services for children, youth and their families
Support, assist, inform and advise children, youth and their families who need
help in dealing with agencies that provide designated services
Promote and coordinate advocacy services for children and youth throughout the
province in relation to designated services
Monitor, review, audit and conduct research into the performance and
accountability of agencies that provide designated services
Report to the Legislative Assembly, the Select Standing Committee on Children
and Youth and the public through annual and special reports about the
effectiveness and responsiveness of designated services and recommendations
for their improvement
Review, investigate and report on certain child deaths and critical injuries relating
to children in care or children and youth who have been receiving reviewable
services.
Associate Deputy Representative Generic Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Deputy Representative, Associate Deputies are formally
delegated responsibilities to contribute to the achievement of the Representative’s
mandated role. As members of the Executive Team, Associate Deputies collaboratively
establish vision and goals and are accountable for ensuring operations are aligned with
the objectives and desired outcomes of the Office. These positions provide non-partisan
advice to the Representative, the Deputy Representative and the Select Standing
Committee on Children and Youth, and actively advocate for reform to services and
programs for children and youth.
Associate Deputy Representatives promote a child-centered philosophy. Associate
Deputies develop strong collaborative working relationships with a variety of
government and non-government agencies, including those representing First Nations
and Métis children, youth and their families. These relationships involve creating
partnerships to address issues such as child and youth engagement, strategies and
programs.
Performing multiple roles, incumbents are expected to bring a diverse body of
knowledge to the role in areas such as:
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the ethno-cultural composition of communities in B.C.
the challenges for children in government care
the needs of children and youth with disabilities and special needs
cultural diversity
Federal/provincial programs for children and youth
related legislation and reports (including the Child, Family and Community
Service Act, the Adoption Act, the Community Living Authority Act and the BC
Children and Youth Review).
Associate Deputy Representatives operate in a highly sensitive and often controversial
environment, where confidentiality is paramount and rigorous adherence to the
information and privacy provisions in the Act and to the applicable provisions in the
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is essential.
In this senior executive role, Associate Deputies lead multi-disciplinary teams and are
expected to exemplify the characteristics of leadership, teamwork, ethics, strategic
vision, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
The position is responsible for assigned staff, related budgets and other resources and
for maximizing productivity by implementing innovative corporate fiscal and human
resource initiatives.
Specific Deliverables – Associate Deputy Representative, Advocacy, Aboriginal
and Community Relations
Leads initiatives to advocate for services for children and youth in the province:
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Oversees a province-wide advocacy program to support existing community
based advocacy programs and to facilitate the development of new advocacy
services and programs for children, youth and their families
Provides advice, within the limitations of the Act, to children, youth and their
families who need help in dealing with public bodies and directors providing
designated services
Provides leadership in encouraging children, youth and their families to become
effective self-advocates in seeking or accessing designated services
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Works collaboratively with other Associate Deputy Representatives in leading
research to identify and document deficiencies, service gaps and inadequacies in
provincial and community-based child services for children and youth and makes
recommendations or advocates for changes to the system to address identified
concerns
Develops innovative approaches to allow easy public access to information and
services for children and youth
Develops initiatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family
Development and other public bodies, to open up internal procedures and ensure
decisions impacting children’s lives consider the child’s own rights and views
Monitors initiatives of the federal, provincial and international governments and
agencies to identity best practices and effective models and approaches to
advocacy.
As a member of the Executive Team, advances the goal of building a system of
excellence for children and youth at risk in B.C., specifically with regard to
strengthening community supports and resources for children and youth
receiving designated services:
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Establishes and maintains effective and collaborative relationships with
provincial, federal and international governments, Aboriginal delegated agencies,
community leaders, agencies and organizations, First Nations and Métis
organizations and governments
Establishes and implements ways to engage with youth around the province,
including Aboriginal and Métis youth, both on and off reserve, in rural and urban
areas
Monitors initiatives of federal and other provincial as well as international
governments and agencies to identify best practices and effective models and
approaches to youth engagement
Lead the development of a community outreach strategy and implementation
plan regarding advocacy services, identifying and consulting with key
communities and community organizations
Develop a consistent approach to outreach activities, and encourage and foster
the active participation of all RCY program area in outreach efforts
Participates in fulfilling commitments through collaboration with federal/provincial
agencies to assess the health, economic and social needs of all children and
youth in B.C., particularly in B.C.’s Aboriginal communities
Carries out reviews and recommends strategies to address socio-economic
issues such as poverty, substance abuse, limited economic opportunities,
domestic violence, substandard housing and other challenges facing families,
including Aboriginal families.
Provides senior leadership direction to ensure effective program management:
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Provides Executive level leadership as a member of the Executive Team
Collaborates on the development of and implements a workforce strategy to
address issues of recruitment and retention, employee engagement and
performance management
Demonstrates superlative leadership skills to create a motivated and healthy
organizational and workplace culture.
Provide consultation and direction to staff in other program areas across the
organization with respect to engaging with Aboriginal people and communities.
Participate in program area projects and activities, such as Monitoring audits and
the screening process regarding critical injuries and deaths of children and youth,
ensuring issues relating to Aboriginal children and youth are raised and
addressed.
Key Links:
In order to accomplish objectives the Associate Deputy communicates with:
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Representative for Children and Youth, Deputy Representative and other
Associate Deputy Representatives: contributes as a member of the Executive
Team to strategic decision-making. Consults regarding cross-program and
program specific issues
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Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth: provides information and
advice to the Select Standing Committee and reports to the Select Standing
Committee on issues in the public interest
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Senior officials of government (federal and provincial) and external
agencies associated with children and youth including the Ombudsperson,
Ministry of Children and Family Development, Public Guardian and Trustee:
leads initiatives and encourages collaboration to advocate for more co-ordinated
and integrated services addressing the full range of needs and circumstances of
children and youth receiving designated services
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Community roundtables: meets with community leaders and organizations to
inform communities about the Representative’s advocacy services, to engage
communities in the Representative’s processes and to advocate for improvement
to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of designated services
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Leaders and representatives of Aboriginal and Métis community and
political organizations, on and off-reserve, province wide: leads initiatives to
create effective and collaborative relationships, create a common vision and
promote the full participation of Aboriginal leaders, families and communities in
the Representative’s processes. Creates and implements strategies to
strengthen ties with Aboriginal agencies, to address socio-economic barriers and
to advocate effectively for improvements to enhance the effectiveness and
responsiveness of designated services
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Directors of delegated Aboriginal Agencies and other Aboriginal service
providers: encourages cooperation and coordination at the community level;
provides advice and assistance in the development of community capacity to
meet the needs of Aboriginal children and youth and advocates for changes to
delivery systems where those needs are not being met
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Youth: engages with youth belonging to community and stakeholder
organizations, child-serving organizations (such as the Federation of BC Youth in
Care Networks) and other formal or informal groups or networks. Encourages
cooperation and seeks input into the Representative’s initiatives and informs
individuals and organizations about the goals and services of the
Representative’s Office.
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Media and public forums: interacts with the media and participates in public
forums to enhance the public’s understanding with respect to their access to and
the availability of designated services for children and youth.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
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Degree or graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as advocacy,
community development, dispute resolution, law or social work, with a strong
emphasis on Aboriginal children and youth
Considerable experience in a senior management role, with provincial or
national scope, including contributing to strategic decision-making and
leading policy and program development and implementation
A superior track record working with Aboriginal or Métis individuals,
communities, groups, administrations and networks, including children and
youth
Established network of relationships with community and cultural
organizations with particular focus on children and youth
Experience with or involvement in the lives of Aboriginal children and their
families in British Columbia
Experience dealing with demands, priorities and issues management
situations in a public sector or corporate environment
Demonstrated experience employing best practices to lead advocacy and
community-based initiatives consisting of internal and external resources.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge:
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Exceptional knowledge of the law associated with services and protections for
children and youth and of the related infrastructure of programs and support
services for children and youth in B.C.
Excellent knowledge of the Representative for Children and Youth Act, the Youth
Justice Act, the Child, Family and Community Service Act, the Adoption Act, and
other federal and provincial legislation related to Aboriginal children, children’s
services and issues of inertest or concern to youth
Excellent knowledge and understanding of program requirements for children
with special needs
Demonstrated knowledge of principles, best practices and models for effective
advocacy services in diverse socio-economic communities and environments
In-depth knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal and Métis history and cultural
practices, customs and traditions
In-depth knowledge of the political and organizational practices of B.C. First
Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal issues, provincial
and federal government relationships, and government and political processes
Demonstrated understanding of the unique role, purpose and functions of an
Officer of the Legislature and of the interrelated values of independence and
accountability.
Skills and Abilities:
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Demonstrated skills in successfully establishing collaborative working
relationships with public officials, service providers, community stakeholders,
children, youth, Aboriginal and Métis people and related organizations
Demonstrated team leadership expertise to create a positive environment that
embraces innovation and change
Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, organizational and consultative skills
Demonstrated superior skills in working directly with children, youth and their
families
Superior ability to analyze and solve problems and to lead multiple projects or
tasks and multi-disciplinary teams
Exceptional liaison and conflict-resolution skills in order to effectively address
situations or circumstances involving differing or conflicting views and opinions
Demonstrated skills in conceptual and strategic thinking
Demonstrated track record in exercising the utmost discretion with highly
sensitive and confidential issues.
In accordance with the provisions of the Representative for Children and Youth Act, and
in recognition of the critical importance to the role of a true understanding of Aboriginal
communities, history, values, and cultural competencies, the successful applicant must
be an Aboriginal person.
Extensive travel is required and transportation arrangements must meet the operational
needs of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth.
The successful applicant requires a police record check and is subject to a criminal
record review.
Competencies:
Strategic Orientation
Change Leadership
Developing Others
Organizational Awareness
Service Orientation
Results Orientation
Teamwork and Cooperation