Health & Social Services Director

Health and Social Services Director Reports to: Band Manager Term: Full-time - Indeterminate Hours: 35 hours/week (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), Monday to Friday with an hour unpaid lunch. The Health and Social Services Director provides leadership for the Health and Social Services department. This role ensures that services reflect Anishinaabe values and support wellness at all stages of life, including childhood, youthhood, adulthood, and elderhood. Programs are guided by a wholistic framework of Spiritual, Emotional, Mental, and Physical well-being and delivered through Promotion, Prevention, Intervention, and Post‑vention services. The Director works closely with the Chief and Council, staff, and community members to strengthen health and social services, build partnerships, and ensure programs are culturally safe, community‑driven, and effective. Key Responsibilities Community Engagement and Leadership Build strong relationships with citizens, staff, and partners to ensure programs meet community needs. Lead by example through healthy living and embodying the Seven Gifts: humility, bravery, love, respect, truth, honesty, and wisdom. Strategic Development and Implementation Develop and implement short and long‑term plans for health and social services. Align departmental vision with the Whitefish River First Nation Community Strategic Plan. Conduct needs assessments and consultations to identify priorities and gaps. Program Oversight Oversee Health and Social Service programs, ensuring services are culturally grounded and responsive. Support initiatives that promote wellness, prevention, intervention, and healing. Ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations in Indigenous health and social services. Operations and Administration Maintain accurate records, data, and statistics for planning and evaluation. Lead emergency preparedness and pandemic planning. Oversee quality assurance and risk management activities. Financial Management Manage departmental budgets and prepare annual work plans. Report monthly on budget allocations and progress. Seek funding opportunities, including grants, to sustain programs and prepare the proposals. Human Resources Assist with hiring key positions. Mentor and supervise managers and coordinators across Health and Social Services. Hold weekly staff meetings to share updates, solve problems, and strengthen collaboration. Qualifications Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, Health Administration, or a related field (bachelor’s degree may be considered with significant experience) Minimum 5 years of management experience in an Indigenous organization. Minimum 3 years supervisory experience in healthcare or social services. Strong understanding of Anishinaabe culture, language, traditions, and protocols. Experience working with First Nations communities. Knowledge of health and social service systems, legislation, and policy. Experience managing complex projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances. Skills in leadership, communication, facilitation, and presentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet applications. Valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable transportation. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and the ability to apply it in program design, staff supervision, and community engagement. Knowledge, respect, and understanding of Anishinaabe culture, traditions, and language. Ability to lead, plan, direct, set goals, and evaluate progress. Ability to develop budgets and manage financial and material resources. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks and deadlines. Ability to develop and implement legislation, policies, and procedures. Ability to put political direction into action. Ability to facilitate small and large groups. Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners/collaborators. Ability to compose and present written reports, presentations, and other business requirements. Strong time management skills. Familiarity with health and social services technology and systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet applications. Work Conditions Combination of office and community‑based work, with occasional travel. Indoor and outdoor environments, sometimes in adverse weather or rugged terrain. Physical activity may include lifting up to 20 pounds, walking, and standing. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Must provide a clear Criminal Reference Check upon hire. Must complete First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS training. Upon Hire Must provide a clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a dependable vehicle. Must complete First Aid and CPR Training, along with WHMIS Training. Short‑Term Deliverables (First 6–12 months) Medium‑Term Deliverables (1–3 years) Long‑Term Deliverables (3–5+ years) For a complete job description, email APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 2nd, 2026, AT 4:30 p.m. Interested applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, two (2) work‑related references, and one (1) character reference (with contact information) to: CONFIDENTIAL: HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR c/o Human Resources Whitefish River First Nation 17-A Rainbow Ridge Road, P.O. Box 188; Birch Island, ON P0P1A0 Email applications can also be emailed to At Whitefish River First Nation, we value diversity and inclusion. Miigwetch to all who apply; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr