Aboriginal Head Start Program Advisor

**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.

**JOIN OUR HISTORIC JOURNEY**
At FNHA, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to BC’s history. With a unique governing structure and mandate, our fluid work environment means you can play an active role in real change.
Our talented teams value respect and foster lateral kindness in their working relationships. Our holistic approach to wellness, based on First Nations teachings, is incorporated into all aspects of work culture. Where else will you get to create a personal wellness plan as part of your performance goals?

**Position Summary**:
Provides advanced level of specialized expertise to First Nations communities, FNHA regional teams and FNHA and external partners in the planning and delivery of early child learning/development programs and actions. Develops resources and creates networks of support to build community capacity and expertise that can support First Nations families and their communities to create the conditions that will give First Nations children the best start in life. Supports the development and delivery of professional development training and ensures that all efforts within the position’s responsibility area are culturally appropriate, safe and relevant. Guided by Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program criteria and using community development and collaborative approaches, this role supports the ongoing enhancement of AHSOR programs.

**Responsibilities**:

- Provides advanced level of specialized expertise, advice, guidance and relevant resources to BC First Nation Communities and FNHA Regions in planning and development of culturally safe early child learning/development programs and initiatives.
- Provides advanced level of specialized expertise in the development of strategic and operational plans; implement new program initiatives and projects, and manage implementation within the FNHA planning framework.
- Provides inputs in developing funding agreements and estimating operational and project budget requirements in the area of early child learning/development (E.g. AHSOR funding program).
- Provides inputs in establishing organizational strategies, approaches and policies as it relates to early child learning/development to senior management, colleagues, First Nations communities, regions and leadership, health organizations, provincial and federal governments, non-government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Provides leadership in the identification, development, and delivery of training to health professionals, community workers and FNHA staff.
- Provides information, guidance and resources to front line staff and coordinators of AHS programs in First Nations communities. This includes support and resources related to program administration/management (e.g. provision of sample policies/procedures/protocols etc.)
- A full job description is available upon request._

**Qualifications**:

- Three (3) years of experience delivering Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve Programs and/or licensed child care program/s, including managing staff and budgets; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Early Child Education Certification.
- Recent, relevant experience in program planning and development in the areas of early child learning/development.
- Experience in assessing community needs/capacity and finding solutions in collaboration with communities and other partners.
- Experience working with First Nations communities or organizations on issues related to early child learning/development.
- Experience in the development of strategies relating to early child learning/development.
- Experience collaborating with relevant partners and working on teams to achieve common goals and objectives.
- Experience in all aspects of project management.
- Experience developing and delivering education workshops and training programs and other means of transferring knowledge and skills to others.

**Knowledge, Skills & Attributes**:

- Knowledge of theories, practices and principles related to early child learning/development.
- Knowledge of needs specific to Aboriginal/First Nations populations in the area of early child learning and development.
- Awareness - Thorough knowledge of the current First Nations health governance landscape in BC.
- Leadership -Influencing, motivating, and inspiring others through direct and indirect means to accomplish organizational objectives including people and partnership development in a manner consistent with the 7 Directives, Shared Values, and Wellness Operating Principles. Able to champion change, in partnership with others, by living the First Nations perspecti