Manager of Health Services

First Light; San Juan de Terranova; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

First Light is seeking a Manager of Health Services to lead the wellness portfolio, overseeing health programs and services with a focus on Indigenous-centered care. You will report to the Director of Health and work with a team to braid health services into a holistic system of care that respects Indigenous knowledge and Western approaches.

You bring reflective leadership, cultural safety, and strong collaboration to advance community health, housing, and justice initiatives, guiding staff and

Qualifications

• Experience leading health programs with Indigenous communities.
• Experience supervising and delivering services in health or social services.
• Budgeting, reporting, and resource management experience.
• Driver's license and willingness to drive if required for service delivery.
• Ability to obtain Code of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for health-related services, ensuring effective and culturally safe delivery.
• Oversee medical transportation, patient navigation, Jordan’s Principle coordination, Wellness counsellor and Indigenous Clinic Team.
• Ensure programs are responsive to client/community needs while aligned with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Health to identify service gaps and co-develop new initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor coordinators, ensuring strong program leadership across areas.
• Support staff through circle-based supervision, professional development, and lateral kindness.
• Lead team meetings to set priorities, address challenges, and share learning.

Skills

Cultural safety

Indigenous knowledge

Leadership

Program development

Budget management

Staff supervision

Community engagement

Education

Diploma/Bachelor in Health Sciences or Indigenous Studies

Job description

At First Light, we believe healing is braided—woven through culture, connection, and care.

As the Manager of Health Services, you play a key leadership role within First Light’s wellness portfolio, reporting to the Director of Health. While the Director provides strategic vision and integration across health, housing, and justice, you are responsible for the day-to-day leadership and strengthening of health-related programs and services.

This includes direct oversight of medical transportation, Indigenous patient navigation, Jordan’s Principle coordination, wellness counselling , health clinic, related community health supports, and culturally safe support with all health initiatives. You ensure services are client-centered, culturally grounded, and aligned with First Light’s Strategy Wheel.

Working closely with the Director of Health and a team of Managers across First Light, you help braid health services into a holistic system of care that supports Indigenous individuals and families in accessing both traditional and Western approaches to wellness.

Who You Are & What You Carry

You’re someone who understands that health and healing are relational. You lead with care, communicate with clarity, and cultivate an environment of collaboration and cultural integrity. You bring reflective leadership, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

You are:

• Rooted in or committed to Indigenous values, cultural safety, and holistic wellness
• A relational leader who builds trust and accountability through presence, guidance, and support
• Someone who fosters a respectful and collaborative team environment grounded in Indigenous values

You bring:

• Cultural awareness – you apply Indigenous health teachings and protocols in program leadership
• Reflective leadership – you guide with humility, curiosity, and self-awareness
• Operational strength – you balance strategic vision with day-to-day coordination
• Collaborative spirit – you build relationships across departments, community, and systems
• Advocacy mindset – you champion Indigenous voices in health policy and service design
• Grounded communication – you express yourself with clarity, confidence, and care

What You’ll Do

Program Oversight & Service Delivery

• Provide leadership for health-related services, ensuring effective and culturally safe delivery
• Oversee medical transportation, patient navigation, Jordan’s Principle coordination, Wellness counsellor and the Indigenous Clinic Team.
• Ensure programs are responsive to client and community needs while aligned with organizational priorities
• Work with the Director of Health to identify service gaps and co-develop new initiatives
• Supervise and mentor coordinators, ensuring strong program leadership across areas
• Support staff through circle-based supervision, professional development, and lateral kindness
• Lead team meetings to set priorities, address challenges, and share learning

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Maintain authentic relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and people with lived experience
• Represent First Light in community health forums, partnerships, and advocacy efforts
• Promote cultural safety and Indigenous self-determination in all program decisions

Program Evaluation & Improvement

• Monitor and evaluate health services, using feedback and data to inform improvements
• Implement culturally grounded best practices to enhance accessibility and impact
• Work with the Director of Health on quality improvement and evaluation frameworks

Budget & Resource Stewardship

• Contribute to budget planning and financial management of health services
• Track program utilization, staffing, and supply needs to ensure sustainability
• Collaborate with the Director of Health to support proposals and reporting

Skills, Experience & Requirements

We recognize that knowledge and strength come in many forms — through lived experience, cultural teachings, community care, or formal education.

To be eligible for this role, you must have:

• Strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and health protocols, with a commitment to cultural safety
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field; equivalent lived experience will be considered
• Experience in program leadership, team supervision, and service delivery in health or social services settings
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide staff
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and community engagement
• Experience managing budgets, reporting, and resource allocation
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle (if required for service delivery)
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain); ASIST or TCI training is an asset
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Code of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

First Light celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of Indigenous identity or status, lived experience, national or other origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, or other characteristics.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who carry lived experience expertise, acknowledging the value and alignment with First Light’s organizational goals. We’re committed to supporting candidates throughout the application process by accommodating any disability-related requests.