Director, Children and Families Services

Waycobah First Nation; Whycocomagh; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Meaningful work

Job summary

We’koqma’q First Nation is seeking a dynamic Director, Children and Families Services to provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for programs serving children, youth, and families in the community.

The role ensures culturally responsive, trauma-informed services and strong partnerships while supporting staff and advancing wellbeing through effective program delivery and leadership.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Health, Social Sciences, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3-5 years of management or supervisory experience in a social services, health, or community-based setting.
• Experience working with children, youth, and families.
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience managing budgets and funding agreements.
• Knowledge of First Nations communities and cultural protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations of the Children and Families Services Department.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate departmental staff, fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services for children, youth, and families.
• Ensure programming is culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and responsive to community needs.
• Oversee case management activities and support complex client situations.
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure alignment with funding agreements.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and updates for funders and leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with families, Elders, community partners, and external agencies.
• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and community initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and child protection standards.
• Identify service gaps and support continuous improvement and innovation in programs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Trauma-informed

Cultural competence

Education

Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Health, Social Sciences, or related field

Job description

Position Title: Director, Children and Families Services

Location: We’koqma’q First Nation

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Reports To: Chief Wellness Officer

About the Role

We’koqma’q First Nation is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Director, Children and Families Services. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for all programs and services supporting children, youth, and families in the community.

The Director ensures that services are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and grounded in the values and priorities of We’koqma’q First Nation. This position plays a key role in building strong partnerships, supporting staff, and advancing the wellbeing of families through effective program delivery and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations of the Children and Families Services Department
• Supervise, support, and evaluate departmental staff, fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services for children, youth, and families
• Ensure programming is culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and responsive to community needs
• Oversee case management activities and support complex client situations
• Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure alignment with funding agreements
• Prepare reports, proposals, and updates for funders and leadership
• Build and maintain relationships with families, Elders, community partners, and external agencies
• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and community initiatives
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and child protection standards
• Identify service gaps and support continuous improvement and innovation in programs

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Health, Social Sciences, or related field (preferred)
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 3-5 years of management or supervisory experience in a social services, health, or community-based setting
• Experience working with children, youth, and families
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Experience managing budgets and funding agreements
• Knowledge of First Nations communities and cultural protocols

Assets:

• Membership in a regulated professional body (e.g., Social Work, Nursing)
• Knowledge of child welfare systems and interagency collaboration

Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity
• Compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Culturally grounded and respectful of First Nations values and traditions

Contacts and Collaboration

This role works closely with:

• Internal leadership, including the Chief Wellness Officer and Chief and Council
• Department staff and other program areas within the Health Centre
• External partners such as schools, government agencies, and social service organizations
• Community members, Elders, and families

Working Conditions

• Community-based position with regular interaction with families and partners
• Exposure to sensitive and complex situations involving children and families
• May require occasional travel and attendance at meetings or events
• Flexibility required, including evening and occasional weekend work
• Some after-hours response to urgent matters may be required

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of Mi'kmaw children, youth, and families.

Why Join Us

This is a meaningful leadership opportunity to help shape and strengthen services for children and families in We’koqma’q First Nation. The Director will play a critical role in advancing culturally grounded programs, supporting staff, and improving outcomes for the community.