Director of Secondary Prevention

POSITION SUMMARY

Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) is seeking a a strategic and culturally grounded leader to serve as Director of Secondary Prevention. Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs & Services, this role provides strategic oversight for prevention initiatives that advance SCFSS's vision of family preservation and reunification. The Director informs policy development, guides program innovation, and strengthens organizational capacity through culturally integrated strategies aligned with SCFSS's four Strategic Directions.

This position champions cultural leadership, organizational change, and proactive engagement with communities to reduce involvement with the child welfare system and promote holistic wellness throughout the Nicola Valley.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead strategic planning and policy development for prevention programs, ensuring alignment with the Nlaka'pamux Framework of Practice and Syilx Child and Family Plan.
• Shape culturally grounded governance frameworks that embed nłeʔkepmx and syilx principles into organizational policy, program design, and service delivery.
• Foster high-level partnerships with community leadership, stakeholders, and external agencies to advance collaborative strategies that uphold family and cultural integrity.
• Provide strategic oversight of financial planning and resource allocation, ensuring budgets align with organizational priorities and sustainability goals.
• Guide workforce strategies for the Prevention portfolio, including succession planning and leadership development, while delegating recruitment and onboarding to managers.
• Champion cultural capacity-building by engaging Elders in policy consultation, language integration, and decision-making frameworks.
• Ensure governance and compliance with SCFSS policies, OH&S standards, privacy legislation, and cultural protocols in collaboration with the OH&S Manager and HR.
• Represent SCFSS in leadership forums and external engagements, promoting awareness and advancing strategic priorities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Deep understanding of syilx and nłeʔkepmx traditional practices, teachings, and cultural protocols.
• Sensitivity to the historical and systemic impacts of colonialism, including intergenerational trauma, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with experience in designing, managing, and evaluating programs using both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and other IT platforms for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Excellent organizational, time management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and support staff in a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and professional environment.
• Collaborative, culturally grounded, and strategic leadership style with strong conflict resolution abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to inspire and maintain high productivity in others.
• Business and strategic acumen, particularly in Indigenous governance and service transformation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a clear Criminal Record Check and MCFD Prior Contact Check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and provide a current driver's abstract.
• Willingness to travel to Member Communities and attend meetings or events as required.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, based on organizational and community needs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, or a related field relevant to the position duties.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive leadership experience in a social service, health, or community-based setting.
• Minimum of three years' experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities, with demonstrated knowledge of nłeʔkepmx and syilx cultures, values, and traditional practices.
• Proven expertise in child-centered, family-based, and strengths-based service delivery models.
• Experience in a Delegated Aboriginal Agency is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, community engagement, and culturally informed policy implementation is preferred.

MINIMUM REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Indigenous Knowledge: applied knowledge nłeʔkepmx and syilx culture and language; sensitivity to the historical and systemic impacts on Indigenous families and communities from intergenerational trauma.
• Critical Thinking: analytical, methodical, fact-based decision-making, with a capacity for creative problem solving, and considering diverse perspectives.
• Business and Strategic Acumen: proficient in business and strategic concepts in application to SCFSS.
• Communication: facilitation and presentation skills, professional business writing, and ability to communicate clearly and confidently with diverse audiences.
• Motivation: self-motivated, capable of effectively motivating others and, high productivity
• Time Management: highly organized, ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, delegate responsibilities and coordinate multiple tasks to achieve goals.
• Conflict Resolution: anticipates, diffuses, and resolves conflicts while fostering a positive work environment.