Aboriginal Head Start Early Childhood Educator Assistant (AHSECEA)

$25.52 per hour  | Vancouver, BC

Work Location: In person

Date Posted: September 9, 2026

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) at 1607 East Hastings originated in the late fifties from the will and needs of people who were leaving Indian Residential Schools without any support or means to survive. Today the Society continues to serve the Urban Aboriginal community, managing twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver.

The VAFCS is a community-led organization delivering an Aboriginal Head Start group licensing childcare program for twenty, three-to-five-year-old children that will embody the unique Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Community and the cultures of participant families. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with the Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us.

Position Summary

The Aboriginal Head Start Early Childhood Educator Assistant (AHSECEA) will be a member of the VAFCS Aboriginal Head Start team and will work under the direction of the VAFCS Aboriginal Head Start Coordinator and collaboratively with all members of the AHS team. The AHSECEA supports the provision of culturally appropriate, nurturing care to young children, in keeping with the vision, goals, mandate, objectives, and policies of VAFCS and the Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C.

Position Description

• Support early childhood educators in developing and implementing childcare programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children.
• Ensure the Early Childhood Education program meets all requirements of the Child Care Licensing Regulations on a daily basis.
• Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts.
• Provide a daily balance of active/quiet, indoor/outdoor and individual/group activities.
• Organize space, equipment and materials prior to activities.
• Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
• Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods.
• Assist with children’s physical needs for eating, sleeping and toileting.
• Discuss the program’s daily events with family members at drop-off and pick-up times.
• Observe children and provide written reports to expand play and plan activities that recognize individual differences and new developmental achievement.
• Work with AHS staff and other specialists (when applicable) to plan, carry out      and review individual program plans.
• Participate in short and long-term planning and the annual program review.
• Assist with the development and delivery of programming.
• May assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.

Points of Contact:

• Aboriginal children and families,
• Early childhood educators,
• Elders, Community and health support (e.g., HIPPY, ASCD)

Qualifications:

Minimum Valid ECEA Certificate (License to Practice in BC)

Benefits:

• Casual dress

Licence/Certification:

• ECEA Certificate (required)
• Valid Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR/AED (preferred)

$28.20 per hour | Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking a skilled and compassionate Jordan’s Principle ARC Administrative Officer to support timely access to services and supports for First Nations children and families.

This position coordinates payments for approved Jordan’s Principle requests, maintains accurate financial and program records, supports reporting requirements, and works closely with families, service providers, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator.

Qualifications include:

• Experience providing administrative and financial support, including processing payments, invoices, budgets, and reports.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, database, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Experience working with First Nations children, families, and communities in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.

VAFCS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

To apply or learn more, submit your application and cover letter to jobs@vafcs.org.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: In Person
Wage: $23 - $25.83

Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum | 1015 East Hastings Street

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking compassionate, culturally grounded, and motivated Resident Support Workers to join the team at Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, an Indigenous-focused housing continuum that includes shelter, transition housing, affordable housing, and community-based supports.

The Resident Support Worker provides day-to-day support to residents living in the transition housing program, helping individuals build stability, strengthen independent living skills, and work toward their housing and wellness goals. Working collaboratively with the Shelter-to-Housing Navigator and the Transition Housing team, this position plays an important role in supporting residents on their journey to greater independence and long-term housing success.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting people affected by homelessness, poverty, mental health concerns, substance use, and trauma. Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and community resources is essential. Strong relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills are key to success in this role.

A diploma or certificate in a related human services field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, is preferred. Applicants must be able to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays.

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.milies.

This position coordinates payments for approved Jordan’s Principle requests, maintains accurate financial and program records, supports reporting requirements, and works closely with families, service providers, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator.

Qualifications include:

• Experience providing administrative and financial support, including processing payments, invoices, budgets, and reports.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, database, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Experience working with First Nations children, families, and communities in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.

VAFCS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from members of equity-seeking groups. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

$24.31 per hour | Vancouver, BC

Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor 

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a community-led Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting the cultural, educational, social, recreational, and economic well-being of urban Indigenous Peoples. VAFCS provides culturally safe programs, services, and spaces that promote belonging, wellness, self-determination, and opportunity.

Position Summary

The Custodial Maintenance Worker is responsible for maintaining clean, safe, welcoming, and well-functioning VAFCS facilities. The position performs routine custodial duties, minor building maintenance and repairs, groundskeeping, and facility support under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor.

• First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Aboriginal ancestry is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience in custodial services, building maintenance,      property maintenance, or a related field.
• Experience using commercial cleaning equipment and basic hand and power tools.
• Basic knowledge of minor building repairs, plumbing, painting, drywall,      lighting, and door hardware.
• Knowledge of safe cleaning practices and WHMIS requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and attention to safety.
• Ability to work respectfully with Indigenous individuals, families, Elders, youth,      children, residents, staff, and community members.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence is an asset.
• Satisfactory      Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check.

Working Conditions

The position involves indoor and outdoor work and requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting, and use of ladders and maintenance equipment. Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required to support organizational operations or events.

Wage $32 - $35.75/HR | Vancouver, BC

VAFCS is seeking a compassionate, organized, and culturally grounded Shelter-to-Housing Navigator to support guests and residents as they move from shelter to transition housing and longer-term housing.

This role provides strengths-based case management, housing navigation, advocacy, referrals, and coordinated transition planning. The Navigator works with a designated caseload to help participants identify goals, address barriers, access services, secure housing, and build stability.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting people affected by homelessness, poverty, mental health concerns, substance use, trauma, and other barriers to housing. Experience with case management, housing navigation, Indigenous-led services, and culturally safe, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction practice is strongly valued. 

Wage $34 - $36.75/HR | Vancouver, BC

VAFCS is seeking an experienced and compassionate Supportive Housing Manager to lead the daily operations of our 25-unit supportive housing program at Ho' kee-melh Kloshe Lum.

This leadership role is responsible for supervising staff, overseeing tenant services and housing operations, supporting program administration, and working collaboratively with community partners to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed services that promote housing stability and wellness.

The successful candidate will have  experience in supportive housing, homelessness, or social services including strong knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centered practice.

Wage $24.41/HR | Vancouver, BC

VAFCS is seeking an experienced and dependable Maintenance Supervisor to oversee the maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and day-to-day operation of our facilities.

This hands-on leadership role is responsible for supervising building maintenance activities, coordinating repairs and preventative maintenance, ensuring safe and welcoming environments for staff, clients, and visitors, and supporting the efficient operation of VAFCS facilities. 

Wage From $22.45/HR| Vancouver, BC

VAFCS is seeking a friendly, organized, and professional Administrative Assistant / Receptionist to support the daily operations of VAFCS and provide a welcoming first point of contact for clients, community members, and partners.

This role provides administrative, reception, and clerical support, including data entry, records management, answering inquiries, coordinating office supplies, and assisting with the day-to-day operation of the office while delivering culturally safe and respectful customer service.

Qualifications include:

• Minimum 2 years of administrative or reception experience.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft 365.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.