Division Manager of Employment, Training, and Social Development

Position Summary

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. 

What You'll Do

Leadership and Program Oversight:

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.

Employment and Skills Development:

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.

Income Assistance and Community Support:

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.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement:

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.

Financial Management, Reporting, and Administration:

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.

Other Duties

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. 

Working / Special Conditions

Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check 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 clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule. 

What You Bring

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Certified Employment Strategist is preferred.

Career Development Practitioner (CDP) certification is required.

First Aid, WHMIS, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health First Aid trainer certifications is preferred.

Experience: 

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.

Skills:

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.

Abilities

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.

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.

Cultural Competency:

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.

How to Apply 

Have a question about this role before you apply? Email [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

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.