Income Support Director

Colonial Group; Claresholm; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bearspaw First Nation seeks a Director – Income Support to establish and oversee the new Income Support Program. You will manage on-site operations, budgets, and service delivery for social assistance and related supports, guiding policy, procedures, and reporting while transitioning the program from a prior provider to Bearspaw First Nation.

The role requires senior leadership, program management, financial oversight, and strong communication with community members and funding bodies to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field; Master’s preferred as asset.
• Minimum five years direct Income Support or seven years in human services.
• Strong knowledge of Income Support programs, policies, and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Establish, transition, administer, and operate the Income Support Program.
• Lead staffing, supervision, and performance management.
• Develop operational plans, reporting, and procurement processes.
• Manage budgets, funding proposals, and compliance with funding agreements.
• Maintain relationships with community members, funders, and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Policy development

Program planning

Communication

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Driver’s Licence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Health, or related field

Master’s degree (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management systems

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Bearspaw First Nation is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director – Income Support to lead the development, transition, and ongoing management of the Nation's Income Support Program. As the on-site manager, the Director will oversee all operations, activities, budgets, and service delivery related to social assistance, special needs, and related support programs. This position will play a critical leadership role in establishing and transitioning the Income Support Program from H.G. Smith and Associates to Bearspaw First Nation. The successful candidate will be responsible for building program operations, implementing policies and procedures, supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and applicable legislation, and maintaining strong relationships with community members, funders, and external agencies. Working closely with leadership, the Director will develop operational plans, monitor program performance, recommend improvements, and ensure high-quality services are delivered to community members. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to build and lead a new Income Support Program that supports the well-being, self-sufficiency, and success of Bearspaw First Nation members.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director – Income Support is responsible for leading the establishment, transition, administration, and ongoing operation of Bearspaw First Nation's Income Support Program. As the on-site manager, the Director oversees all program operations, activities, budgets, and service delivery related to social assistance, special needs, and related support services. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing operational plans, supervising staff, managing program budgets, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and applicable legislation, and maintaining professional relationships with community members, funding agencies, external organizations, and service providers. Working closely with Bearspaw First Nation leadership, the Director will play a key role in transitioning the Income Support Program from H.G. Smith and Associates to Bearspaw First Nation while establishing effective policies, procedures, reporting systems, and service standards. The Director will monitor program performance, recommend improvements, support employee development, oversee recruitment and staffing activities, and ensure high-quality services are delivered to community members. This position requires strong leadership, program management, financial oversight, strategic planning, and a commitment to supporting the well-being and self-sufficiency of Bearspaw First Nation members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management and Service Delivery

• Lead the establishment, transition, and ongoing administration of the Income Support Program.
• Oversee the delivery of Income Support, Special Needs, and related support services.
• Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, funding agreements, and program guidelines.
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements to enhance service delivery.
• Develop and maintain operational plans, procedures, and service standards.

Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Recruit, screen, select, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
• Provide leadership, direction, mentorship, and support to employees.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Ensure staff maintain professional conduct and comply with organizational policies and procedures.

Financial and Budget Management

• Prepare, administer, and monitor program budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible financial management of program resources.
• Assist in the preparation of funding proposals, grant applications, and budget submissions.
• Prepare financial and operational reports as required.
• Ensure program operations remain within approved budgets and funding agreements.

Program Planning, Reporting, and Compliance

• Develop program goals, objectives, and strategic plans.
• Monitor program performance and prepare reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges.
• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and organizational regulations and policies.
• Analyze program needs and recommend improvements, innovations, and service enhancements.
• Utilize computerized systems to collect, maintain, monitor, and analyze program information.

Community and Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, funding agencies, service providers, and external organizations.
• Represent Bearspaw First Nation in meetings, committees, conferences, and community engagements.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to support client and community needs.
• Address concerns and resolve issues involving clients, families, community members, and partner organizations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, and program documentation.
• Attend meetings, training sessions, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
• Monitor facilities, equipment, and resources to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Participate in organizational planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned by Bearspaw First Nation leadership.
• Support the overall goals, objectives, and strategic priorities of Bearspaw First Nation.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Health, or a closely related field.
• A Master’s Degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of direct experience within an Income Support authority; or
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in human services, social services, health services, or a related community-based setting.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Income Support programs, social assistance services, and applicable legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership, staff supervision, coaching, and performance management experience.
• Experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting, and administrative skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate employees.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with community members, funding agencies, service providers, and external stakeholders.
• Experience preparing reports, funding proposals, budgets, and operational plans.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and computerized information management systems.
• Knowledge of case management principles, social service delivery, and community-based programming.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultures, traditions, and governance structures is considered an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and reliable transportation are required.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Must successfully complete and maintain an Oath of Confidentiality and adhere to the Bearspaw First Nation Code of Ethics.
• Must successfully complete and maintain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Must successfully complete and maintain a Child Intervention Check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Must provide and maintain an acceptable Driver’s Abstract.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel as required.
• Must be willing to participate in Random Drug and Alcohol Testing in accordance with organizational policies.
• Must successfully complete Employee Performance Evaluations.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive client, employee, financial, and organizational information.
• Must comply with all Bearspaw First Nation policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.