Health Director (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Reports to: Administrator

Salary: $85,000-$95,000

Job type: Fixed term, full-time (November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2027)

Job location: 9010 West Saanich Road, North Saanich BC.

Process: email cover letter and resume to Lori Fitzgerald, CPHR at lori@pauquachin.com

Closing Date: September 29, 2025

The Health Department:

Pauquachin First Nation's Health Team serves community members in reaching their highest state of holistic wellness through culturally supportive programs and services. We work with an 'any door is the right door' mindset to help community members access supports related to any of the Social Determinants of Health.

The Opportunity:

The Health Director is responsible for consistent department-wide services that adhere to the Pauquachin First Nation’s policy and administration expectations. The position requires substantial operational and planning oversight as well as planning and health service delivery system wide. The Health Director develops and manages the implementation of the department strategic plan, and the operations of the work unit, including organization structure, and is ultimately responsible for the department’s finances and human resources. The position is part of the management team.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Plans, develops, implements and monitors the department’s vision and strategy for the PFN;

  • Plans, organizes and directs the development and implementation of the health department’s activities;

  • Assists in the establishment and achievement of program deliverables for health services based on the PFN’s overall strategic plan and operating goals for each fiscal year;

  • Ensures Health Department work plans are aligned with the Community Comprehensive Plan;

  • Provides advice and recommendations to the Administrator on policy discussions and strategic planning. Integrates planning for health services within the PFN’s strategic plan and its goals;

  • Works collaboratively with other members of the management team. Contributes to identifying, developing and implementing strategic initiatives, policies, plans, and programs necessary for the successful operation of the PFN;

  • Develops, in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, and administers the annual budget for the department and participates in the PFN’s annual budget process. Accountable for the fiscal soundness and cost effectiveness of the department’s operations. Monitors and implements appropriate intervention to achieve operational budget targets;

  • Formulates and develops or revises policies, standards, procedures, practices and strategic plans, goals, new program proposals, directions or initiatives, impacts of legislative changes, resource needs and other matters relevant to the department’s goals and interests and the delivery of health services;

  • Ensures that all policies and procedures are aligned with legal requirements and requirements within PFN’s funding agreements;

  • Implements program evaluation and statistical tracking procedures;

  • Coordinates a Community Health and Wellness Plan, Regional Health Survey, and other health and wellness related research and planning;

  • Interacts with all external partners and manages projects related to health service delivery;

  • Assists community members with connecting to external health agencies, and supports community members with health-related disputes with external health providers hospital by collaborating and communicating with hospital support staff such as the Indigenous Patient Navigators.

  • Advocates for community members to ensures fair business access to local medical service providers such as pharmacies and dental offices; educates local medical service providers on issues such as racial justice to work with First Nations health benefits, charging fair prices and correcting racist behaviours;

  • Manages the PFN Health Committee, coordinates meetings, agendas and meeting materials/discussion items;

  • Prepares, submits and reports on programs and other statistical reports to ensure that the budget requirements are being met, as required by partners;

  • Submits quarterly activity reports to update the Administrator; Interacts with PFN employees and community members as well as external partners; and communicates and responds to routine requests or inquiries from staff, community members and partners;

  • Serves as the Health services expert; sits on committees, attends meetings, represents the PFN to various partners; serves as a liaison between the community and the Health Department;

  • Prepares and presents reports and briefings for the Administrator, Chief and Council and the community as well other reporting as required;

  • Consults with other neighbour nations within shared W̱ SÁNEĆ territory on issues that impact the health of those communities;

  • Monitors and provides guidance on departmental human resource related initiatives such as staff selection, performance management, discipline, and resolution of labour relations issues.

What we require from you:

  • Degree or Diploma in Public/Community Health, Nursing, Social Work or other related health field, and

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the provision of direct service in community-based healthcare delivery systems; or

  • An equivalent combination of education, training and experience;

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing, directing and leading employees and contractors;

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience liaising with various regulatory agencies;

  • Experience delivering community-based health services;

  • Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating health and wellness programs and services for a First Nation community is an asset;

  • Experience developing a variety of written reports, policy and procedures, analyses, presentations and other documentation in accordance with organization directives and/or regulatory guidelines;

  • Experience developing, managing and controlling operating budgets;

  • Class 5 driver’s licence, reliable vehicle and a clean driver’s abstract and appropriate insurance is required;

  • Clean criminal record check with Vulnerable Sector required.

Why work with the Pauquachin First Nation?

By working with Pauquachin First Nation you will make an impact on the lives of our members. This is an opportunity to work for the advancement of our resilient community who seek to build a healthy, self reliant and economically strong community.

We offer competitive compensation, extended health benefit and registered pension plans, and a dynamic and friendly workplace.

Preference may be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and/or having knowledge of the Hul’q’umi’num’ culture and traditions.

Thank you for your interest in this position, only those short listed will be contacted.