Children and Family Services Program Leader

Waycobah First Nation•Whycocomagh, NS

4d•CA$75,000 - CA$90,000•Onsite

About The Position

We'koqma'q First Nation is seeking a compassionate and experienced Children and Family Services Program Leader to join our Children & Family Services team. Reporting to the Director of Children & Family Services, the Program Leader provides leadership, oversight, and coordination for Children's Prevention Services and Post-Majority Support programming. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally responsive services that support children, youth, young adults, and families within the community. The Program Leader will directly supervise the Band Designate, Post-Majority Navigator, and Youth Mentors, providing guidance, mentorship, coaching, and support to ensure effective service delivery and positive outcomes for community members.

Requirements

Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Human Services, Indigenous Social Work, Psychology, Education, Community Studies, Recreation, or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience in a human services, social services, child and family services, or community services environment.
Minimum three (3) years of experience working with children, youth, families, or young adults.
Knowledge of Mi'kmaq culture, traditions, values, and community protocols.
Understanding of child and youth development.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, culturally safe, and family-centered practices.
Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.
Successful Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Valid First Aid and CPR Certification, or willingness to obtain.
Valid Nova Scotia Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience delivering prevention programming, case management, youth services, or family support services is considered an asset.
Experience working within a First Nation or Indigenous community is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of Children's Prevention Services and Post-Majority Support programming.
Directly supervise the Band Designate, Post-Majority Navigator, and Youth Mentors.
Coach, mentor, and support staff in service delivery, case planning, and professional development.
Conduct regular staff meetings, work planning sessions, and performance discussions.
Monitor program outcomes and ensure services are delivered in accordance with community needs, program objectives, and funding requirements.
Promote a collaborative, respectful, and culturally safe team environment.
Work closely with the Director of Children & Family Services to identify service gaps, program needs, and opportunities for improvement.
Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate prevention-focused programs and services for children, youth, and families.
Develop initiatives that strengthen family relationships, parenting skills, cultural identity, emotional well-being, and healthy lifestyles.
Deliver workshops and programming focused on life skills, education, and family wellness.
Assist parents in accessing educational opportunities, including GED programs, post-secondary education, and skills training.
Promote positive childhood development using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.
Support early intervention initiatives that reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors for children and families.
Connect families with community resources and specialized supports when needed.
Support the delivery of services for post-majority youth and young adults transitioning to independence.
Work collaboratively with the Post-Majority Navigator to support youth in accessing safe and stable housing, education and training opportunities, employment and career development, financial literacy and budgeting supports, life skills development, health and wellness services, cultural programming and community engagement, and identification, banking, and other essential documentation.
Assist youth in developing and achieving individualized transition goals.
Support ongoing case planning, documentation, and reporting requirements.
Incorporate Mi'kmaq language, culture, teachings, ceremonies, and land-based learning opportunities into programming whenever possible.
Encourage participation in cultural events and activities that strengthen identity, belonging, and community connection.
Build strong working relationships with schools, health services, employment agencies, housing providers, educational institutions, and Indigenous organizations.
Participate in case planning and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
Promote Children's Prevention Services and Post-Majority Support programs within the community.
Maintain confidential client and program records.
Complete reports, statistics, program evaluations, and funding documentation.
Assist with annual work plans, budgeting processes, and grant reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, privacy legislation, and funding agreements.
Maintain safe, welcoming, and inclusive program environments.
Adhere to all child protection, confidentiality, and occupational health and safety policies.
Participate in ongoing professional development and cultural competency training.
Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.