First Nations Health, Addiction, Child and Family Services

Job Title: Health, Addiction and Member Services Manager
Organization: Gwawaenuk Tribe
Location: Hybrid: Port Hardy / Remote. Qualified candidates must reside, or be willing to relocate to, Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.

• Employment Type: Contract
• Application Deadline: Until position is filled
• Salary: $70,000-$100,000 (based on experience and qualifications)
• Hours: 0.8 Full-Time Equivalent (up to 30/hours week)

Position Overview

Gwawaenuk Tribe is seeking an experienced Manager to lead and further develop the Health, Addiction, and Member Services Department on a contract basis. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience supporting First Nations communities and advocating for members on a one-to-one basis across a broad range of needs. Significant knowledge and experience working with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and/or a regional health authority is required.

The ideal candidate will be able to successfully manage multiple projects and budgets concurrently and will be skilled in navigating FNHA services, Island Health (VIHA), FNHA addiction services, First Nations (FN) benefits, and related member supports. This role will also support the Tribal Office by responding to individual member requests, including (but not limited to) education, training, mental health supports, and culturally based healing options.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess most, if not all, of the following qualifications:

• Resident of Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.
• Ability to travel between Nanaimo and Port Hardy as required to meet or work with members and staff.
• Willingness to work in Port Hardy at least once per month.
• At least 5 years of experience working with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), First Nations addiction services, and/or First Nations remote nursing, and ISC Child and Family Service programs.
• Experience with the Indian Registry or willingness to take training.
• Remote nursing certification or equivalent experience in nursing or a related field (priority will be given to candidates with this qualification).
• Experience providing one-to-one advocacy and support to First Nations members in areas such as health, addiction, mental health, family services, social programs, and documentation.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.
• Management, coordination, and fundraising skills, including experience preparing successful funding applications.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, written, computer, and communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible working style, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively (including through virtual meetings and workshops).
• Strong attention to detail and proficiency in information management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and coordinate all activities within Gwawaenuk’s Health, Addictions, and Member Services Department to ensure effective delivery of programs and services.
• Develop and promote programs and services that address Gwawaenuk health, wellness, and addictions priorities.
• Secure funding to support program operations and personnel.
• Provide one-to-one support to Gwawaenuk members to access health services through FNHA, Island Health, other provincial health programs and addiction services, and administrative supports (e.g., pensions and residential school documentation).
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, work plans, and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and effective use of resources.
• Represent Gwawaenuk Tribe at meetings with federal, provincial, regional, and local health authorities and agencies, advocating for community health priorities.
• Coordinate case management and referrals for members requiring specialized health or addiction supports, ensuring culturally appropriate services.
• Oversee community health initiatives, including prevention, education, and wellness programming.
• Build and maintain partnerships with health agencies, service providers, and other First Nations to improve access to programs and resources.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health regulations, privacy standards, and reporting requirements.
• Provide leadership and supervision to departmental staff, including training, mentorship, and performance management.
• Prepare reports and communicate program outcomes to leadership, funding agencies, and Gwawaenuk members.
• Identify gaps in health and addiction services and develop strategies to address unmet community needs.
• Promote culturally grounded approaches to health and wellness by integrating traditional knowledge and practices into programming.
• Coordinate emergency health response planning and support readiness for health-related crises or incidents.
• Lead community engagement initiatives to raise awareness of available health and member services.

Additional Information / How to Apply

This is a contract position. Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume that outlines their qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities to: Hiring@gwawaenuktribe.ca

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Preference will be given to qualified candidates with Indigenous ancestry.

We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates who provide the requested information and meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Gwawaenuk Tribe team.