EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ABOUT US

The village of Lax Klan, also know as Kitkatla, is on Dolphin Island, 60 kilometers south of Prince Rupert, BC and can be reached by boat or float plane. The village has been occupied for over 10,000 years and is currently home to 450 Gitxaala citizens.

The Gitxaała , also known as Git Lax M’oon, people of the saltwater are one of the most ancient societies on the coast. The village of Lach Klan (Kitkatla, BC) has been continuously inhabited since time immemorial.

Gitxaała hereditary leaders from the four clans, Gisputwada, Ganhada, Lax’sgiik and Laxgibuu, manage and protect their territories and resources according to their ayaawx, traditional laws. Gitxaała harvesters use almost 100 different marine and terrestrial resources to feed their community. Gitxaała citizens, currently numbering 2094, wherever they reside, celebrate their history, practice their traditions, respect their laws, and cherish their lands, waters and resources.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Health Director is part of the senior management team with Gitxaala Nation and is responsible for the operational and financial management and Administration of all Health department services and programs, as well as the effective and efficient delivery by staff. The Health Director acts as a liaison between other government agencies and departments (particularly First Nations Health Authority), private industry and any other individuals, groups or agencies providing health services in the community. The Health Director promotes and advocates for wellness and health for the community and staff.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

Strategic and Operational Planning

· Develop and implement a community health plan, including program goals, procedures, strategy, and implementation planning.

· Establish a governance model to oversee the strategy or plan.

· Identify and assess risks for the Health department as well as develop mitigation tactics to address the risks.

· Establish key performance indicators to measure effectiveness of the strategy or plan.

Financial Management

· Provide financial reports per reporting requirements for internal, ISC, and other funders and external partners.

· Review and understand financial statements, reports, policies and laws.

· Oversee the development of department forecasts, period-end financial statements and reports.

· Manage and oversee all department program and services budgets.

Operations

· Prepare and deliver reports or updates to the community, internal stakeholders, and external partners.

· Source out and prepare applications for grants/other funding.

· Liaise with and manage agreements with government and external agencies, including FNHA, FNHDA, Northern Health and other provincial, federal and private health agencies and organizations.

· Oversee and manage operation of all FNHA funded health programs.

· Coordinate interventions of health staff directly or indirectly in emergency, trauma and crises situations.

· Understand and oversee mental health and substance abuse issues programs and services, including treatment and prevention programs, treatment planning, and counselling services.

· Advocate for and promote wellness and good health practices including immunization and disease prevention education.

· Understand and educate on environmental health including water and food safety, sampling, recall, storage and advice.

· Oversee children’s, youth, and adult health programs.

· Supervise the development, monitoring, and reporting on work plans.

· Lead the development and update of policies, procedures, standards, and programming in accordance with First Nations Health Branch and Band requirements.

· Plan for, manage and supervise health infrastructure and assets.

· Supervise the setup and maintenance of data management systems, including timesheet information.

· Provide input to critical incident management response systems, emergency preparedness plans, and service continuity planning and response as they relate to health services in coordination with Leadership.

· Strong general understanding of health and safety procedures for the work environment.

· Work closely with the Chief Administrative Officer to ensure they are kept informed of all health issues and are able to provide direction to the health programs.

· Access and apply research and innovation to community health and wellness programs.

· Provide technical advice to First Nation leadership (Chief and Council, Regional Caucus, FNHDA) as required.

Relationship Building and Teamwork

· Establish and foster strong working relationships within and external to the Nation through team activities, personal leadership, and professional incentives.

· Set and provide direction on priorities and responsibilities for Health department staff, contractors, volunteers, and others.

· Provide supervision and leadership while fostering independent work ethic.

· Oversee and perform recruitment and hiring of all health care personnel.

· Conduct performance management tasks including performance evaluations, progressive discipline, coaching, training, and setting attainable goals.

· Ensure staff members have updated job descriptions and learning and development plans.

· Maintain composure and perspective in difficult situations and in managing conflict.

· Model and enforce the policies and procedures of the Nation.

· Represent the Nation and its interest to stakeholders through professional appearance and courteous behavior.

Client Service and Engagement

· Handle inquiries and requests for information in a respectful, professional manner.

· Plan and facilitate meetings, workshops and engagement sessions including with specific groups such as Elders and Youth.

· Direct the development of public engagement and communication materials including publications, newsletters, articles, and presentations.

· Demonstrate and maintain a community-focused approach in standards and operational procedures as well as in program and service design and delivery.

· Demonstrate a strong understanding of and ability to integrate First Nations cultural principles and protocols into service delivery.

· Demonstrate strong cultural awareness and sensitivity.

· Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the CAO.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Maintain knowledge of health- and work-place specific legislation, best practices, policies, and procedures, including current human resource legislation and regulations.

· Understand social determinants of health and specific health and wellness challenges and opportunities relevant to Gitxaala.

· Prepare various materials and reports using MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

· Knowledge of Gitxaala critical incident management response systems and emergency preparedness plans.

· Knowledge of First Nation health systems including FNHA health and wellness programs and the tripartite relationship between Canada, BC and FNHA.

· Understand and promote Gitxaala Nation’s culture, language and values.

· Understand local Indigenous rights and history.

· Ability to work with vulnerable persons.

Experience and Education Requirements:

Experience:

· Member in good standing with the First Nations Health Directors Association.

· (Indigenous) leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution training or experience are preferred.

· Experience in the development of culturally relevant and safe health and social services programs and services.

· Experience working in a First Nation environment, including leadership, is considered an asset.

Education:

· Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Health Services or related field is preferred.

Environmental Conditions:

Physical Effort:

· This position requires prolonged sitting and working at a computer as well as walking within a busy health centre environment.

Physical Environment:

· Duties for this position are typically performed indoors.

Sensory and Mental Attention:

· This position is at times in a busy environment subject to regular distractions by external and internal urgent and non-urgent requests. This position has to handle high-stress and difficult and demanding personal interactions and crisis situations.

Other Requirements:

· Follow all Gitxaala Nation Policies and Procedures and display a commitment to the values and culture of the Gitxaala Nation.

· Ability to successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal records review or police record check is required.

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code; candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When applying for this position, please forward cover letter, resume, and references to the Human Resources department.

DEADLINE

August 25, 2025

ATTENTION Victoria Vickers, Human Resources Manager email: hr@gitxaalanation.com

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications received only those short listed for an interview will be contacted.