Director of Social Assistance

**Job Overview**
Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Director of Social Assistance is responsible for the implementation of the Nation’s social assistance program and other related services to eligible persons and families. The incumbent manages social development administrators, case managers, intake workers (clerks) and other social staff. The Director of Social Assistance is a key advocate for eligible social clients and collaborates with other senior Nation administrators to support social assistance program and services management..

**Responsibilities**:
**1. Policy Implementation**
- Know and understand the Mi’kmaq Enhanced Social policy (MESP) or current social assistance policy.
- Able to interpret social policy and provide clarification to staff.
- Support social policy implementation with other social staff.
- Able to disseminate policy to leadership and other senior administrators.
- Able to advocate for policy change as required.

**2. Management**
- Supervises all social program staff.
- Completes annual performance reviews for all staff.
- Ensures client confidentiality and privacy at all times.
- Ensures data protection and security.
- Coordinates the joint work of social administrators and case managers and services for case managed clients.
- Facilitates the implementation of other social based programs including the income assistance disability support program.
- Collaborate with social staff and clients from time to time on relevant matters.

**3. Reporting**
- Able to collaborate with other Mi’kma’ki senior administrators on social program and services delivery in community.
- Ensures monthly qualitative and quantitative program and case management reports are completed and submitted to Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk.
- Able to prepare written reports for the senior management team and leadership.
- Attend senior management meetings as required.
- Attend Chief and Council meetings as required from time to time.

**4. Professional Development**
- Willing and able to attend professional development training sessions hosted by Ta’n Etli tpi’tmk.
- Willing and able to attend Mi’kma’ki Social Development Administrators meetings in person to remain current with the processes to advance Mi’kmaq self-government over a new Mi’kmaq based social assistance governance agreement.

**5. Other Responsibilities**
- The incumbent shall be required to complete the duties and responsibilities of a social development administrator from time to time to ensure client needs are met.

**Qualifications and Experience/Skills**:

- Bachelor’s degree in health, Social Work, Education or related field.
- 5 years of directly related experience with 2 years at a management level. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Experience managing a variety of social services programs.
- Experience working with related regulations and professional practices and standards.
- Experience in planning, developing and implementing culturally appropriate programs and community-based service delivery.
- Ability to manage and mentor a team of professional and administrative staff.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution.
- Financial literacy skills.
- Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding. Able to build caring relationships built on trust.
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse.
- Knowledge of the NS Health Care system, First Nations Health Authority and community supports and services.
- Understands social determinants of health within Indigenous communities.
- Excellent client service skills. Friendly, positive, responsive, professional and helpful.
- Ability to exercise and model a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Able to work independently as well as working within a collaborative team framework.
- Intermediate computer skills including MS Office.
- Genuine respect for Mi’kmaq traditions, culture and protocols.
- Satisfactory criminal/vulnerable records and child abuse registry checks.
- A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Pay: $15.00-$42.60 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company car
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience working/knowledge with First Nations Community?
- Which First Nations Communities have you worked with

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Supervising experience: 1 year (required)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving License (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-15