Regional Addictions Specialist - Syilx or Secwépemc

First Nations Health Authority; Kamloops; Hybrid; CAD 88,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on health and wellness is seeking a Regional Addictions Specialist to drive community initiatives related to addictions and substance use. This role requires advanced expertise and collaboration with First Nations communities, offering a competitive salary within a supportive and culturally grounded environment.

Benefits

Municipal Pension Plan with employer contribution

3 weeks' vacation plus personal and public holidays

Access to group health benefits from day 1

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in mental health and substance use.
• Experience working with First Nations communities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop community-driven addiction initiatives.
• Collaborate with communities to create effective action plans.
• Monitor and evaluate strategies to enhance service delivery.

Skills

Holistic health understanding

Addictions best practices knowledge

Community engagement

Education

University degree in public health or related field

Registration with a relevant professional body

Job description

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Salary Comment The Pay Range is the minimum and maximum annual base salary based on full time equivalent hours.

Incumbents are typically hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range based on their knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in relation to the role requirements.

The top 10% of the pay range is for incumbents who are industry experts in the job with the combination of exceptional experience and competencies needed to perform all duties and responsibilities at a superior capability level.

About us
The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative, and dedicated team members and leaders.

The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

FNHA is proud to have been named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2025. Learn more about why we were selected here .

Title: Regional Addictions Specialist
Salary: $88,948 - $104,644 - $120,341 per year (pay range explained below)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours (core hours 9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
Location: West Kelowna or Kamloops, BC, located on the unceded ancestral territories of the Syilx or Secwépemc Nations – Hybrid working is an option in line with FNHA’s flex work policy.

About the role
As Regional Addictions Specialist, you will bring advanced, specialized expertise in addictions and substance use to support the development and implementation of community-driven initiatives across First Nations communities. You will collaborate closely with communities and Nations to co-create and execute effective addictions action plans that align with FNHA’s program goals. You will continuously monitor and evaluate response strategies to enhance service delivery and guide prevention and follow-up efforts. You’ll be working closely with the Mental Wellness Team to ensure a holistic and culturally grounded approach to care.

About you
To be successful in this role you will have/be –

Education, Occupational Certification and Experience

• A university degree in public health, allied health, behavioural or social sciences, clinical psychology, or a related field of study.
• Up-to-date registration and good standing with a professional regulatory body in the health field.
• 5-7 years of recent and relevant experience in a mental health and substance use environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in the regional health authority systems and services, and working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on issues related to health and wellness.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of holistic health, encompassing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• In-depth knowledge of addictions best practices, including prevention, intervention, and postvention.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and the unique impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Experience with community engagement, development processes, and culturally safe assessment techniques.
• Awareness of the diverse First Nations communities across British Columbia and their distinct needs.

Working at FNHA
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• Municipal Pension plan with an employer contribution of 9.31% (after 3 months)
• 3 weeks’ vacation, which increases with service to 4 weeks, plus 5 personal days, 1 volunteer day, and 14 public holidays including National Indigenous People’s Day, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Easter Monday and Boxing Day
• Access to group health benefits and a Health Care Spending Account through Canada Life on day 1 of employment
• And more!

The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

Leading with culture, all FNHA employees complete San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. We support our family to be leaders in wellness and all staff members develop a yearly wellness plan as part of their performance partnership and goal-setting.

The Pay Range is the minimum and maximum annual salary based on full time equivalent hours.
Incumbents are typically hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on their knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in relation to the role requirements.
The top 10% of the pay range is for the incumbents who are industry experts in the job with the combination of exceptional experience and competencies needed to perform all duties and responsibilities at a superior capability level. Internal employee compensation will be determined as per the FNHA Employee Total Compensation Policy.

How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button.