Director of Health & Social

Bridge Strategies (former KasaHR); Kitkatla; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A First Nation community is seeking a Director of Health & Social to manage health services and advocate wellness for its citizens. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of First Nation health systems and experience delivering culturally relevant programs. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial oversight, and program delivery in a collaborative environment. This role offers a competitive salary of $115k–$125k, full health benefits, and relocation assistance.

Benefits

Full health coverage

4 weeks vacation

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering health and social services in First Nation communities.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and relevant wellness challenges.
• Experience working with government agencies and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a community health plan with performance indicators.
• Provide and manage financial reports for funders and oversee budgets.
• Advocate for environmental health practices and promote youth and adult health programs.

Skills

Culturally relevant health service delivery

Knowledge of First Nation health systems

Strong team leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Services or related field

Job description

Improving lives for Gitxaala Citizens

The village of Lax Klan, also known as Kitkatla, is on Dolphin Island, 60 kilometres south of Prince Rupert, BC and can be reached by boat or float plane. The village has been occupied for over 10,000 years and is currently home to 450 Gitxaala citizens.

The Gitxaała, also known as Git Lax M’oon, people of the saltwater, are one of the most ancient societies on the coast. The village of Lax Klan (Kitkatla, BC) has been continuously inhabited since time immemorial.

Gitxaała hereditary leaders from the four clans, Gisputwada, Ganhada, Lax’sgiik and Laxgibuu, manage and protect their territories and resources according to their ayaawx, traditional laws. Gitxaała harvesters use almost 100 different marine and terrestrial resources to feed their community. Gitxaała citizens, currently numbering 2094, wherever they reside, celebrate their history, practice their traditions, respect their laws, and cherish their lands, waters and resources.

Based out of Lak Klan and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Health & Social is part of the senior management team with Gitxaala Nation and is responsible for the operational, financial, and administrative management of all Health & Social division services and programs, as well as the effective and efficient delivery by staff. The Director acts as a liaison between other government agencies and departments (particularly First Nations Health Authority), private industry and any other individuals, groups or agencies providing health services in the community. The Director promotes and advocates for wellness and health for the community and staff.

For more information on Gitxaala Nation, please visit their website at https://gitxaalanation.com/

The new Director of Health & Social will:

• Strategic & Operational Planning – Develop and implement a community health plan, establish a governance model to oversee the plan, and address risk mitigation as well as performance indicators to ensure effective delivery of the plan.
• Financial Management – Provide financial reports to meet requirements for internal, ISC, and other funders. Review financial statements, reports, policies and laws as well as oversee department forecasts and budgets to ensure the department is financially strong.
• Operational – Deliver reports to key stakeholders, ensure funding and grants are properly managed and liaise with government agencies (FNHA, FNHDA, Northern Health, etc). Oversee delivery of programs tied to emergency, trauma and crisis situations as well as mental health, substance abuse, and wellness programs. Advocate for environmental health practices tied to water and food safety. Promote youth programs and adult health programs.
• Infrastructure and Data – Ensure the health infrastructure and assets are properly managed and tracked. Supervise maintenance of data management systems and incidental management resources.
• Leadership – Work closely with the CAO to ensure they are kept informed of all health issues and strategize on the delivery of health programs. Provide advice to Nation leadership and partners.
• Relationship building and Teamwork – Foster strong working relationships across the Nation and beyond. Provide leadership to the health management team and foster work ethics. Oversee recruitment, development, compensation and performance enhancement for the team. Model and enforce the policies and procedures of the Nation.
• Client Service & Engagement – Engage with stakeholders in a respectful, professional manner. Plan and facilitate meetings, workshops and engagement sessions as well as direct the development of public engagement and communication. Demonstrate a community-focused approach and a strong passion to integrate First Nation cultural principles and protocols to service delivery.

Who are we looking for?

The leadership team at Gitxaala is looking to hire a healthcare professional who is well-versed in the Canadian healthcare delivery model, with particular emphasis on delivery of services to First Nation communities. Other requirements include:

• Experience in delivering culturally relevant and safe health and social services programs and services – from emergency care, nursing support to wellness programs.
• Experience in maintaining health-related legislation, best practices, policies and procedures, including employment legislation and regulations.
• Knowledge of First Nation health systems, including FNHA health and wellness programs and the tripartite relationship between Canada, BC and FNHA.
• Strong understanding of social determinants of health and specific health and wellness challenges and opportunities relevant to Gitxaala.
• Experience working in a First Nation environment would be an asset. More importantly, respect and understanding of local indigenous rights and history.
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Health Services or related field is preferred.
• Success in the delivery of programs that require significant interaction and reporting with government bodies, parties and agencies.
• Positive team leader who is comfortable supporting teams and working across functions in the delivery of health services.
• The ability to work in a busy environment with regular distractions is critical.

This role will be based in the community of Lak Klan. Therefore, the ability to relocate permanently is key to this role, with occasional travel to Prince Rupert and other locations for key meetings.

Compensation

Gitxaala is offering a base salary in the $115k to $125K range – depending on experience. There is also full coverage for health and benefits, 4 weeks’ vacation, and relocation assistance (if required). In addition, accommodation will be provided on reserve (Lax Klan) as well as during trips to Prince Rupert and across BC/Canada as needed.

Interested?

The leadership at Gitxaala Nation has partnered with Bridge Strategies to fulfill this important hire. To be considered for this role, please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter through our portal. In the cover letter, please highlight why you think you are a good fit for the role and what experience you will bring to supporting the citizens of Gitxaala.

For a more detailed job profile or additional information, feel free to contact us.

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code; for this role, candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.

Bridge Strategies was founded on the basis that all applicants deserve respect and care when they apply for jobs. All applications will be reviewed with care, and we look forward to hearing the personal journey and story of those applicants whose backgrounds best match the needs of our clients. All other applicants will be informed of the status of their application within days of applying. If you have not heard back from us within a week of the submission of your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an update.