JOB SUMMARY
Bearspaw First Nation is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director – Income Support to lead the development, transition, and ongoing management of the Nation's Income Support Program. As the on-site manager, the Director will oversee all operations, activities, budgets, and service delivery related to social assistance, special needs, and related support programs.
This position will play a critical leadership role in establishing and transitioning the Income Support Program from H.G. Smith and Associates to Bearspaw First Nation. The successful candidate will be responsible for building program operations, implementing policies and procedures, supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and applicable legislation, and maintaining strong relationships with community members, funders, and external agencies.
Working closely with leadership, the Director will develop operational plans, monitor program performance, recommend improvements, and ensure high-quality services are delivered to community members. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to build and lead a new Income Support Program that supports the well-being, self-sufficiency, and success of Bearspaw First Nation members.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director – Income Support is responsible for leading the establishment, transition, administration, and ongoing operation of Bearspaw First Nation's Income Support Program. As the on-site manager, the Director oversees all program operations, activities, budgets, and service delivery related to social assistance, special needs, and related support services.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing operational plans, supervising staff, managing program budgets, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and applicable legislation, and maintaining professional relationships with community members, funding agencies, external organizations, and service providers.
Working closely with Bearspaw First Nation leadership, the Director will play a key role in transitioning the Income Support Program from H.G. Smith and Associates to Bearspaw First Nation while establishing effective policies, procedures, reporting systems, and service standards. The Director will monitor program performance, recommend improvements, support employee development, oversee recruitment and staffing activities, and ensure high-quality services are delivered to community members.
This position requires strong leadership, program management, financial oversight, strategic planning, and a commitment to supporting the well-being and self-sufficiency of Bearspaw First Nation members.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management and Service Delivery
· Lead the establishment, transition, and ongoing administration of the Income Support Program.
· Oversee the delivery of Income Support, Special Needs, and related support services.
· Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, funding agreements, and program guidelines.
· Monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements to enhance service delivery.
· Develop and maintain operational plans, procedures, and service standards.
Leadership and Staff Supervision
· Recruit, screen, select, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
· Provide leadership, direction, mentorship, and support to employees.
· Conduct regular staff meetings, training sessions, and performance evaluations.
· Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
· Ensure staff maintain professional conduct and comply with organizational policies and procedures.
Financial and Budget Management
· Prepare, administer, and monitor program budgets.
· Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible financial management of program resources.
· Assist in the preparation of funding proposals, grant applications, and budget submissions.
· Prepare financial and operational reports as required.
· Ensure program operations remain within approved budgets and funding agreements.
Program Planning, Reporting, and Compliance
· Develop program goals, objectives, and strategic plans.
· Monitor program performance and prepare reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges.
· Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and organizational regulations and policies.
· Analyze program needs and recommend improvements, innovations, and service enhancements.
· Utilize computerized systems to collect, maintain, monitor, and analyze program information.
Community and Stakeholder Relations
· Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, funding agencies, service providers, and external organizations.
· Represent Bearspaw First Nation in meetings, committees, conferences, and community engagements.
· Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to support client and community needs.
· Address concerns and resolve issues involving clients, families, community members, and partner organizations.
Administrative Responsibilities
· Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, and program documentation.
· Attend meetings, training sessions, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
· Monitor facilities, equipment, and resources to ensure operational effectiveness.
· Participate in organizational planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Other Duties
· Perform other related duties as assigned by Bearspaw First Nation leadership.
· Support the overall goals, objectives, and strategic priorities of Bearspaw First Nation.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
· Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Health, or a closely related field.
· A Master’s Degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
Experience
· Minimum five (5) years of direct experience within an Income Support authority; or
· Minimum seven (7) years of experience in human services, social services, health services, or a related community-based setting.
Skills and Qualifications
· Strong knowledge of Income Support programs, social assistance services, and applicable legislation, policies, and procedures.
· Demonstrated leadership, staff supervision, coaching, and performance management experience.
· Experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
· Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting, and administrative skills.
· Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate employees.
· Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
· Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
· Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with community members, funding agencies, service providers, and external stakeholders.
· Experience preparing reports, funding proposals, budgets, and operational plans.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and computerized information management systems.
· Knowledge of case management principles, social service delivery, and community-based programming.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
· Knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultures, traditions, and governance structures is considered an asset.
· Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and reliable transportation are required.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
· Must successfully complete and maintain an Oath of Confidentiality and adhere to the Bearspaw First Nation Code of Ethics.
· Must successfully complete and maintain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
· Must successfully complete and maintain a Child Intervention Check.
· Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
· Must provide and maintain an acceptable Driver’s Abstract.
· Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel as required.
· Must be willing to participate in Random Drug and Alcohol Testing in accordance with organizational policies.
· Must successfully complete Employee Performance Evaluations.
· Must maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive client, employee, financial, and organizational information.
· Must comply with all Bearspaw First Nation policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
· Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
WORKING CONDITIONS
· Hours per Shift: 8 Hours
· Shift Pattern: Full-Time
· Length of Shift Schedule: 40 Hours per Week
· Full-time position based in Morley, Alberta.
· Standard work schedule of 40 hours per week, with flexibility required to meet operational needs.
· Primarily office-based environment with frequent interaction with community members, clients, staff, funding agencies, and external stakeholders.
· Regular use of computers, databases, case management systems, and standard office equipment.
· Frequent attendance at meetings, training sessions, conferences, and community events.
· Occasional travel within Bearspaw First Nation and to external agencies, funders, and partner organizations.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
· Exposure to sensitive, confidential, and complex client situations requiring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
· May be required to respond to urgent operational, client, or community matters outside of regular working hours.
· Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
· Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a leadership team.
· Requires strong organizational, leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
· Ability to sit for extended periods and perform computer-based work.
· Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with staff, clients, community members, and external partners.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Application question(s):
- Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
- Have you completed a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check within the last 6 months?
- When would you be available to start if selected?
- Do you have a wage expectation for this position?
Work Location: In person
