Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to holistic wellness and community well-being, respecting and valuing Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead to oversee the Youth Treatment Program, AIMS, and the Recovery Homes, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive care for individuals and families facing substance use challenges, mental health issues, trauma recovery, and holistic wellness care.

The Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead provides leadership and oversight of substance use and wellness programs, ensuring that clients receive compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally informed care. This role involves coordinating day-to-day operations, supervising clinical and support staff, enhancing service delivery, and fostering strong partnerships with community resources. The Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead will also engage in community outreach and advocacy efforts to strengthen holistic wellness support within the community

Work that matters 

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

What you'll do 

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee the daily operations of substance use services, including stabilization, bed-based treatment services, recovery supports, mental health services, and holistic wellness care.
• Develop and implement wellness initiatives aligned with Seabird Island’s values and community needs.
• Promote a team-based approach to care, ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration among staff, service providers, and community partners.

Clinical Oversight & Staff Supervision

• 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 clinical guidance, consultation, and debriefing to staff to support client-centered care.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training on trauma-informed care, cultural safety, and evidence-based mental health and addiction practices.

Client & Community Support

• Ensure substance use services focus on healing, self-determination, and empowerment for individuals and families.
• Facilitate case management, care coordination, and discharge planning, working with healthcare providers, traditional healers, and community support networks.
• Engage in community relations activities, advocating mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and improved access to services.
• Manage the referral and waitlist system, ensuring accurate documentation of referrals and service availability.
• Regularly review and update referral logs, tracking waitlist decisions and service capacity.
• Communicate with referring agencies and service providers to obtain updates on client needs and ensure timely access to services.

Policy & Program Development

• Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and quality improvement strategies for substance use and wellness services.
• Monitor program effectiveness through data collection, client feedback, and staff input, making recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health regulations, funding requirements, and best practices in mental health and addictions care.

Collaboration & Outreach

• Work closely with the designated Fraser Health Coordinator to ensure aligned service delivery, program implementation, and operational consistency.
• Act as a primary liaison between Seabird Island and Fraser Health, fostering strong communication, problem-solving, and joint decision-making.
• Support a joint staffing model, ensuring role clarity, shared expectations, and streamlined coordination between Seabird Island-employed staff and Fraser Health personnel.
• Build strong working relationships with health authorities, service providers, and community organizations to improve coordination of care.
• Participate in case conferences, community planning meetings, and regional initiatives focused on mental health, wellness, and addiction recovery.
• Advocate for increased resources and supports for mental health and wellness within communities.

Risk Management & Crisis Response

• Implement risk management strategies, including safety planning, critical incident reporting, and crisis intervention protocols.
• Support staff in responding to high-risk situations, ensuring a compassionate, harm-reduction approach
• Review and address client concerns, complaints, or grievances, working toward resolution in a culturally sensitive manner.

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you bring 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Registered Psychiatric Nursing or a related health field is required. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• At least 2 years of experience in supervisory role including program oversight and team leadership.
• Deep understanding of mental health, addictions, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles.
• Excellent crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to foster relationships with clients, families, Elders, and community partners.
• Strong leadership, team coordination, and clinical supervision abilities.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience working within First Nations communities, focusing on mental health, substance use, or stabilization services.

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record 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.

Preferred:

• First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• 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, charting and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Substance Use. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

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.

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.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.