Wellness Navigator, Substance Use

First Nations Health Authority; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 91,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Municipal Pension plan with employer 9

3 weeks' vacation + 5 personal days +

3 cultural days per year

Health benefits on day 1

Job summary

FNHA is seeking a Wellness Navigator to advance Healthy, Vibrant and Self-Determining BC First Nations by facilitating access to substance use, mental health, wellness and public health services within a culturally safe, trauma-informed, harm-reduction framework.

You will collaborate with community partners, healthcare providers and people with lived/living experience to strengthen pathways to care, support self-determination, and contribute to regional substance use initiatives and knowledge

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on health and wellness issues.
• Experience supporting people who use drugs and their families.
• Certificate in Substance use specialization and relevant experience.
• First aid level 1 (with CPR), Hep B shot, and flu vaccine; Naloxone training.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate access to substance use, mental health, wellness, and public health services.
• Collaborate with community partners, healthcare providers, wellness workers, and lived experience voices.
• Strengthen pathways to care, build community capacity and promote healing and positive health outcomes.
• Contribute to regional substance use initiatives, partnership development and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Harm reduction

Motivational interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Patient-centered care

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Substance use specialization certificate

First aid + CPR

Naloxone training

Job description

FNHA Overview

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.

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. All interested First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals are encouraged to apply. The First Nations Health Authority has a mandate to increase First Nations, Inuit, or Métis representation in the workforce. Applicant skills, perspectives and lived experience may be matched for this role, or other opportunities within the FNHA.

FNHA is proud to have been named one of BC's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more about why we were selected here .

Title

Wellness Navigator, Substance Use

Salary

$91,172 - $107,261 - $123,351 per year (pay range explained below)

Contract

Permanent

Hours

37.5 hours, Monday- Friday (core hours- 9:00 am- 3:00 pm)

Location

Coast Salish Territories of Squamish, Musqueam & Tsleil-Waututh Nations (Metro Vancouver, BC or surrounding areas)– Hybrid – 50%+ in the office (Park Royal)

Please note, this role will be relocating to our new office building in North Vancouver on Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) land, south of Mount Seymour Parkway in Spring 2027.

About The Role

As a Wellness Navigator, you will play a key role in advancing FNHA's vision of Healthy, Vibrant and Self-Determining BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities. Working within a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and harm reduction framework, you will support First Nations individuals, families and communities on their wellness journeys by facilitating access to substance use, mental health, wellness, and public health services. Working collaboratively with community partners, healthcare providers, wellness workers, people with lived and living experience, and policing services, you will strengthen pathways to care, build community capacity, and enhance access to culturally grounded supports. You will also contribute to regional substance use initiatives partnership development, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement efforts that promote healing, wellness, and positive health outcomes for First Nations people across the region.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have-

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Recent and relevant experience (usually acquired over a period of 3-5 years)
• Experience in the regional health authority systems/services/services and in particular working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on issues related to health and wellness
• Experience supporting people who use drugs and their families
• Experience in the mapping of health and/or social systems and assets
• Experience in harm reduction and knowledge of BC model of care – from prevention and harm reduction to treatment and recovery
• Certificate in Substance use specialization and relevant experience
• First aid level 1 (with CPR), Hep B shot, and flu vaccine
• Naloxone training

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of the BC health care system, and the current landscape of First Nations health in BC
• In-depth knowledge of First Nations health and wellness system needs
• Thorough understanding of person-centered care to provide holistic, integrated, coordinated, and high-quality care that respects diversity and culture
• Knowledge and support of Harm Reduction approach to substance use recovery
• Trauma informed practice
• Motivational interviewing

Please refer to Job Specification section of the Job Description for more details

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%
• 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
• 5 cultural days per year for non-union First Nations, Inuit, or Métis employees
• 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.

Closing date: October 2, 2026 (at 23:59)

Diversity

The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).

What You Can Expect From Us

Joining our family means joining an organization that supports personal growth, in-house training, a paid volunteer day and a unique full-day orientation program.

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.

Closing

Please note that only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us about this position, please accept our sincere appreciation for your interest in FNHA!

For more information about us, please visit: www.fnha.ca/about/work-with-us

If you have any inquiries or issues please contact FNHA Recruitment at [e-mail] or 1-844-699-3186.