Division Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Development

Seabird Island Band•Agassiz, BC

59d•$43

About The Position

Seabird Island is committed to a compassionate, client-centered approach to support the community’s employment, training, skill development, career planning, and income assistance needs. Grounded in First Nations values and principles, this role recognizes that clients are at the heart of our work and strives to provide culturally relevant and empowering services. Reporting to the Director of Education, the Division Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Development oversees programs that connect individuals with meaningful employment, educational opportunities, and skills development. They lead initiatives supporting pre-employment training, workshops, employment support services, and income assistance, while ensuring cultural safety, dignity, and respect in every interaction. The Division Manager also strengthens partnerships, finds funding opportunities, and creates pathways for stable, long-term employment and self-sufficiency for the community. This is a one-year Full-Time Term Contract with an end date of March 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
Career Development Practitioner (CDP) certification is required.
Minimum 7+ years of experience in management of employment services, training and development, income assistance, or community support programs.
Minimum 5+ years of experience proven experience working with First Nations communities.
Strong leadership and team management skills rooted in respect, compassion, and cultural humility.
Ability to develop and implement training programs and employment initiatives.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge of funding applications, budget management, and program development.
Deep understanding of First Nations values, traditions, and community dynamics.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a warm and non-judgmental approach.
Ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and provide trauma-informed support.
Proficiency in documentation and record-keeping while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Willingness to participate in community engagement activities.
Strong ability to develop training programs, workshops, and initiatives.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with staff at all levels.
Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
Commitment to cultural safety and decolonized approaches to service delivery.
Deep understanding of First Nations teachings, traditions, and community dynamics.
Ability to incorporate traditional knowledge and cultural practices into programming.

Nice To Haves

Certified Employment Strategist is preferred.
First Aid, WHMIS, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health First Aid trainer certifications is preferred.
Indigenous candidates 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.
Familiarity with reporting requirements from external funders.
Proficiency in developing survey tools and analyzing service satisfaction data.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and support a team of professionals, promoting a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Provide overall leadership to direct reports, including: Authorizing leaves, time-offs, and ensuring coverage.
Work planning, scheduling, payroll processing, and assessment of staffing needs.
Hiring, staff development, coaching, and mentoring.
Conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback.
Promoting shared team goals and collaboration.
Conflict resolution, discipline, and termination recommendations.
Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities that incorporate First Nations perspectives and practices.
Provide general oversight of the day-to-day operations of Employment Services and Income Assistance and support the development and implementation of exemplary client services.
Ensure all programs reflect community values and cultural teachings.
Build systems for client satisfaction, feedback, and continuous service improvement.
Collaborate with other departments to address internal barriers to accessing work opportunities, student placements, post-secondary placements, etc.
Develop reports, surveys, and recommendations to enhance program effectiveness.
Coordinate service delivery and ensure all contractual obligations and deliverables are achieved for the programs.
Develop and oversee pre-employment training, skills development, and job readiness workshops.
Oversee employment support, including resume development, interview preparation, and employment coaching.
Coordinate work opportunities, summer employment, post-secondary employment, co-op placements, internships, labour pool, and other related opportunities.
Seek funding opportunities, promote employment initiatives within the community, and foster relationships with external organizations and stakeholders.
Organize certifications programs for clients.
Connect community members with post-secondary funding and educational opportunities through collaboration with other Education team members.
Develop and assist with the delivery of implementation strategies for the program delivery models.
Oversee income assistance programs with care, empathy, and cultural understanding.
Manage the operation of the community food bank and other support services.
Assist clients in creating individual development plans to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Support clients in accessing training, post-secondary education, career advancement opportunities and employment opportunities.
Ensure accurate completion of income assistance paperwork and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Strengthen relationships within Seabird Island, local employers, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure successful employment programs.
Advocate for the community’s employment and training needs through collaborative partnerships.
Work closely with managers supervising employment program participants to address performance and foster success.
Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with funding requirements.
Oversee program expenses and maintain accurate financial records.
Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications to support program sustainability and growth.
Prepare detailed financial and program reports for leadership and funding partners.
Ensure accountability through regular tracking and evaluation of program outcomes and financial performance.
Assist with conducting surveys as requested and as needed for supporting programs and services.
Ensure all systems, procedures, and best practices are developed and in place to deliver program services.
Work with staff to ensure that client and project records are maintained and stored according to prescribed guidelines.
Create marketing plan and materials and promote Employment Services in the community and as required to increase service awareness and an annual workshop plan for each community.
Work directly with clients, as required, to provide backup support and conducts relevant workshops when needed.
Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.