Director of Child and Family Services
Classification: Full time position
Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday
Salary: $50 - $55/ hour
Location: ?Esdilagh First Nation and Quesnel Office
Closing Date: Until Filled
About Us
?Esdilagh First Nation is committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our children, youth, and families while preserving our culture, traditions, and community values. We believe that strong families build strong communities and are dedicated to providing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and community-driven services that empower our members.
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and visionary Director of Child & Family Services to lead the development and delivery of child and family wellness programs that strengthen families, promote prevention, and advocate for the best interests of our children.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Band Manager, the Director of Child & Family Services is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, development, and delivery of child and family services for ?Esdilagh First Nation.
The Director will oversee family support programming, child protection collaboration, prevention initiatives, Jordan's Principle coordination (where applicable), family preservation services, community wellness initiatives, and partnerships with provincial, federal, and Indigenous organizations.
This position provides strategic leadership while ensuring services are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and centered on the needs of children, youth, and families. The Director will supervise departmental staff, manage program budgets and reporting requirements, pursue funding opportunities, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and funding agreements.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Program Management
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all Child & Family Services programs.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that support children, youth, and families.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Child & Family Services staff.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive, and culturally safe workplace.
- Develop departmental goals, strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure services align with the priorities of Chief and Council.
Family & Community Services
- Lead initiatives focused on prevention, early intervention, family preservation, and reunification where appropriate.
- Support families experiencing crisis through culturally appropriate interventions.
- Coordinate referrals to internal and external service providers.
- Advocate for children, youth, and families to ensure equitable access to services.
- Work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners.
- Support community healing, parenting education, and family wellness programming.
Child Protection & Advocacy
- Maintain positive working relationships with provincial child welfare agencies.
- Advocate for the rights and interests of ?Esdilagh children and families.
- Participate in case planning meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings when appropriate.
- Assist families in navigating child welfare systems and accessing available supports.
- Promote preventative approaches that help keep families together whenever safely possible.
Administration & Compliance
- Develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Prepare funding proposals, reports, work plans, and program evaluations.
- Ensure compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements.
- Maintain confidential client files in accordance with privacy legislation and organizational policies.
- Monitor program outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with community members through trust, respect, and cultural humility.
- Organize family wellness events, workshops, and community education sessions.
- Promote awareness of available supports and services.
- Participate in community meetings and organizational planning initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), or related degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Child & Youth Care, or a related discipline.
- Registration in good standing with the applicable professional regulatory body is considered a strong asset.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience working in Child & Family Services, Indigenous family services, social work, or community wellness.
- Minimum two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare legislation, Indigenous child and family services, trauma-informed practice, and family-centered care.
- Experience working with First Nations communities is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of Indigenous culture, history, intergenerational trauma, Truth and Reconciliation, and culturally grounded approaches to service delivery.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Strong report writing, grant writing, budgeting, and program management skills.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence.
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening satisfactory to the Employer.
Preferred Knowledge & Skills
- Trauma-informed practice.
- Cultural safety and humility.
- Child protection systems.
- Jordan's Principle and Indigenous Services Canada programming.
- Family preservation and prevention programming.
- Crisis intervention.
- Mediation and conflict resolution.
- Program development and evaluation.
- Funding administration and reporting.
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
- Meaningful leadership role within a progressive First Nation.
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to help shape the future of Child & Family Services within ?Esdilagh First Nation.
Other Duties
Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the responsibilities and scope of the position.
Application Information
Please submit your resume, cover letter indicating the position you are applying for, and three professional references to:
?Esdilagh First Nation
Email: [email protected]
Only those invited to be interviewed will be contacted.
Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - Section 16(1) Canadian Human Rights
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50.00-$55.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
