Director of Clinical Health Services

Position Summary

Sq’éwqel is committed to fostering the health and well-being of our community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Director of Clinical Health Services to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe, and holistic healthcare services for all clients.

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Clinical Health Services provides culturally informed leadership to ensure the seamless operation of healthcare services. This role integrates traditional healing practices with modern medicine, creating a culturally specific comprehensive and patient-centered approach to care. The Director oversees vital programs such as Primary Care (Medical and Dental Offices, Clinical based outreach and home health services, Mobile Diabetes), Health Quality, the Recovery Homes, the Youth Treatment Home, and the AIMs Program. They ensure seamless operations, embodying the community's vision for health and well-being while addressing systemic barriers to equitable care. 

The Director of Clinical Health Services promotes culturally safe services developed to meet the needs of Seabird Island Health Service Agency communities’ inclusivity and respect across all services while fostering collaboration within the community and across departments. By effectively managing resources, including staff, budgets, and program logistics, this role ensures the delivery of culturally safe and holistic healthcare practices. Additionally, the Director engages in community relations activities, supporting and empowering community while building meaningful relationships with stakeholders to advance unique and sustainable solutions to dynamic clinical community health care needs and culturally respectful healthcare services. 

What you'll do 

Holistic Leadership & Vision

• Champion culturally specific health care service, a holistic approach to clinical health, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Collaborate to develop strategies with the Community and Family Wellness, Education, Early Childhood Development, and Community Infrastructure departments to address social determinants of health, including gaps in care or services, housing, nutrition, and access to traditional healing, foods and medicines, ensuring alignment with community traditions and values. 

Program Management & Oversight

• Plan, implement, and evaluate clinical programs to meet in-community needs across multiple service locations and communities. Emphasis on the relationship with communities for ongoing evaluation and service needs. 
• Ensure the integration and standardization of clinical programs to deliver patient-centered, efficient, and culturally safe care.
• Monitor outcomes, address gaps in services, and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Manage resources (human, financial, and physical) to support operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance service delivery and uphold cultural safety. 
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to guide program development and service delivery. 

Cultural Safety & Advocacy

• Foster a trauma-informed, culturally safe environment in all programs and services.
• Advocate for the inclusion of First Nations worldviews in local, regional, and national healthcare policies and practices.
• Promote decolonized approaches to health, addressing systemic barriers and Indigenous-specific racism within healthcare systems. 

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build meaningful relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and healthcare partners to ensure services align with community priorities.
• Serve as a bridge between traditional and Western medicine, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
• Collaborate with other departments to reduce service gaps and strengthen holistic care supports. 

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and empower staff and contractors to provide culturally aligned, patient-centered care.
• Support staff recruitment, onboarding, and professional development to build capacity and expertise.
• Promote a healthy, engaging, and safe workplace that supports work-life balance and well-being.
• Implement strategies to retain talent, foster collaboration, and encourage continuous learning about First Nations health practices and Cultural Humility.
• Ensure that all Clinical Health teams receive on-going professional development and skill refreshment training. 
• Working with their management team, developing, maintaining and implementing a variety of people initiatives to ensure high performance of staff and effective service to clients. 
• Coaching and supporting direct reports.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Establish protocols prioritizing patient dignity, respect, and Cultural Humility while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Ensure programs align with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Lead accreditation initiatives that reflect community standards and cultural values.
• Use community-driven feedback to continuously improve the quality of services and address gaps in care.
• Oversee performance management systems and quality of care management systems to support accountability and excellence in care delivery.

Financial Management

• Manage program budgets and resources to ensure financial accountability and high-quality service delivery.
• Participate in budget development and funding proposal processes to secure financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and standards while prioritizing community health outcomes.
• Seek and secure funding to support current and new clinical health programs or initiatives. 

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What you bring 

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master's or Doctoral level of education in a field related to healthcare management, supplemented with ten (10) years' recent and related progressively responsible leadership experience is required. 
• Experience working with First Nations communities and understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 
• In-depth understanding of the historical and systemic impacts of colonialism on First Nations Peoples’ health and well-being.
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing systemic racism and embedding cultural safety and humility in healthcare delivery
• Proven ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams and navigate complex health systems.
• Experience collaborating with First Nations communities to co-create health programs.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a focus on inclusion and collaboration. 

Preferred:

• First Nations candidates and those with lived experience as a member of a First Nations community are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within First Nations communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on First Nations peoples and communities. 
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities, particularly with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to address systemic challenges and optimize resources.
• Commitment to equity, cultural safety, and decolonized healthcare practices.
• Familiarity with key Indigenous health frameworks, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and In Plain Sight. 

Benefits and Perks

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions
  

How To Apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Clinical Health. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.