Director of Health

SUMMARY:

The Director of Health provides leadership and oversight for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health programs and services for Bilijk First Nation. The position is responsible for implementing ongoing community health plans, responding to current health care needs and ensuring community members have access to high-quality, culturally relevant, and professional health services. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Director of Health leads health service delivery, program development, financial accountability and partnerships all with best practices in community health care and professional practice standards.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Health Leadership & Service Delivery

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for community health programs and services with an emphasis on health promotion, holistic wellness and preventative approaches.
• Advocate for enhanced health care through participation in program development, liaison and participation with both internal and external partners/ stakeholders.
• Ensure traditional and cultural health approaches are incorporated into service delivery
• Identify emerging community health needs and support program development
• Ensure mandatory program delivery such as communicable disease control, public health and health care programming across the lifespan. This may include reporting with both federal and provincial funding partners.
• Participate in community health emergency preparedness and response planning
• Promote community wellness and culturally safe practices
• Oversee, and manage various areas, including community health programs, home care, mental health and wellness programs, and harm reduction programs and services
• Oversee and direct health personnel on a daily basis
• Lead by example and demonstrate leadership, integrity, creativity, respect while achieving results by involving and empowering staff
• Encourage a collaborative and cooperative work atmosphere through process improvement strategies, adherence to standards of practice, team building and strength based approaches. Promote and support individual leadership that encompasses professional integrity, conflict management and resolution, and the promotion of lateral kindness
• Coordinate intervention, directly or indirectly, in emergencies, trauma and crises

Program & Financial Management

• Oversee program planning, monitoring, and evaluation
• Development of new programs and preparation of proposals to meet identified community health needs including cost analysis and evaluations
• Ensure budgets, financial reporting, and funding requirements are met
• Work collaboratively with finance staff to monitor expenditures and resources
• Prepare reports for Chief and Council and funding partners
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities aligned with community priorities
• Proactively seek diverse funding sources to sustain health and wellness program

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Maintain effective and trusting working relationships with community members
• Liaise with external partners including health authorities, funding agencies, hospitals, and health professionals
• Verify that services and programs abide by applicable local, provincial, and federal laws

PREFERABLE SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in a professionally designated health-related field or health administration with a current license/ registration within a professional regulatory body.
• Minimum ten (10) years' experience in First Nations health services or community-based health programs
• Minimum ten (10) years' managing employees with successful leadership and credibility
• Demonstrates experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and funding compliance
• Knowledge of federal and provincial funding partners and health systems
• Must have a strong understanding and respect for Bilijk culture, language, and traditional healing practices.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including presentations to leadership and community members
• Proven success in securing and managing government or private sector funding
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time hours; occasional evening/weekend meetings required
• Travel may be required within and outside the province
• Must pass a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Operates under minimal supervision

Remuneration is commensurate with qualifications and experience. We also offer a competitive benefits package and pension plan. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with our commitment to Indigenous employment, preference will be given to individuals with an Indigenous background.