Director of Health

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Director of Health

Location: Fort St James

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Wage: $100,000 to $120,000

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Director of Health to lead our health department at Nak'azdli Whut'en. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Health will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs and services within the community. This role requires a strong understanding of Indigenous health priorities, culturally appropriate care, and the ability to manage healthcare initiatives in collaboration with community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation and strategic direction of the Nak'azdli Whut'en Health Center, ensuring high-quality, culturally relevant healthcare services.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate health programs tailored to the unique needs of the community, with a focus on preventative care and chronic disease management.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with health authorities, government agencies, and Indigenous health organizations to improve healthcare access and funding.
• Support the integration of traditional Indigenous healing practices with Western medicine to create a holistic approach to community wellness.
• Identify funding opportunities, coordinate grant applications, and manage program budgets to enhance health service delivery.
• Lead and support healthcare staff, providing guidance on best practices in Indigenous health and community wellness.
• Conduct research and assessments to identify health challenges and develop strategic responses in alignment with community needs.
• Engage with the Nak'azdli Whut'en community to gather input on health services and initiatives, ensuring culturally appropriate solutions.
• Provide reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Chief, and Council regarding healthcare programs, funding, and community health trends.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Nursing, or a related field.

• Significant experience in healthcare management, particularly within an Indigenous community context.

• Extensive knowledge of Indigenous health systems, culturally appropriate healthcare models, and healthcare policy development.

• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee health service operations effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with community members, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
• Experience in grant writing, funding applications, and financial management of healthcare programs.
• Ability to integrate traditional Indigenous healing methods into modern healthcare programs.

Benefits

At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

• Competitive Wages
• Pension Plan – Employer matching up to 5.5%
• Work-life Balance – 10 sick days annually, up to 5 discretionary days, a 2-week paid Christmas break, and Indigenous Day Leave
• Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life insurance, and global medical coverage
• Disability Support – Short-term and long-term coverage
• Employee Wellbeing – Free EAP counselling along with free in-house mental health counseling with paid time-off.
• Professional Development Support
• Cultural & Community Engagement Events

At Nakazdli Whut'en, we believe in investing in our people. We provide a rewarding workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to our shared mission.

Indigenous Commitment

"Nak'azdli Whut'en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honour and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being."