Manager, Social Services

Classification: Band 7 — Manager

Reports To: Director, Health & Social Services

Supervises: Outreach & Justice Worker; Head Cook

Location: Hitacu, BC

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Band: Band 7 ($81,731 – $122,596)

POSITION PURPOSE

The Manager, Social Services leads the social services, community wellness, restorative justice, and food services portfolio of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government Health & Social Services department. Reporting to the Director, this role is accountable for community-based outreach, systems navigation, advocacy, restorative justice and diversion supports, and the operation of the Cixʷatin Centre kitchen and community food programs. The Manager supervises the Outreach & Justice Worker and the Head Cook (who in turn supervises the Assistant Cook), and works in close partnership with the Manager, Health to deliver integrated, wraparound wellness services to YG citizens across hitac̓u, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni. The role is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based, culturally safe practice and in the Nation's commitment to looking after each other (ʔuuyałukʷičʔaała).

ACCOUNTABILITY

Social Services Program Leadership

• Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of community-based social services including outreach, wellness navigation, advocacy, family support, and social assistance programming.
• Ensure programs are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and responsive to the lived realities of YG citizens in hitac̓u, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni.
• Translate the Director's strategic direction into workplans, service standards, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify service gaps and lead the design of new programs or partnerships to close them.

Restorative Justice & Diversion

• Oversee the Nation's restorative justice and diversion supports for members involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the justice system.
• Partner with Elders, families, RCMP, Crown, probation, and community supports to deliver culturally informed processes such as circles and community-based resolutions.
• Ensure diversion agreements are monitored, accountability and healing plans are supported, and outcomes are tracked.

Food Services & Food Security

• Oversee the operation of the Cixʷatin Centre kitchen, including menu planning, food safety, licensing compliance (FNHA / Island Health), and community meal programs.
• Support the Head Cook in leading the kitchen team and coordinating with community events, Elders programming, and cultural gatherings.
• Strengthen food security initiatives including community meals, food bank coordination, and connections to traditional foods where appropriate.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Directly supervise the social services staff team, including the Outreach & Justice Worker, Head Cook, Community Care Coordinator, and Child and Family Services Worker.
• Recruit, onboard, coach, and develop staff in partnership with the Manager of Human Resources.
• Set clear expectations, complete performance reviews, and support ongoing learning — including trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, and food safety.
• Foster a healthy, respectful, and psychologically safe team environment, and support staff wellness in emotionally demanding work.

Advocacy, Systems Navigation & Partnerships

• Support and supervise outreach work with FNHA, Island Health, MCFD, housing agencies, income assistance, and justice partners.
• Advocate for culturally safe, respectful treatment of members within service and justice systems.
• Represent YG Social Services at inter-agency tables and case conferences with direction from the Director.
• Maintain strong relationships with community partners in Port Alberni and on the West Coast.

Financial & Funding Accountability

• In partnership with the Director and CFO, manage the social services and food services budgets, funding agreements, and contribution reporting.
• Contribute to funding proposals for outreach, justice, and food security initiatives.
• Monitor spending, approve expenditures within delegated authority, and ensure value for money.

Administration, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure timely, accurate submission of funder and internal reports.
• Maintain confidential client and case records in line with PIPA and YG policy.
• Ensure compliance with lone-worker, WorkSafeBC, kitchen safety, and emergency response protocols.
• Support the Director in briefing materials for the CAO, Executive, and Legislature as required.

Integrated Wellness & Community Engagement

• Partner with the Manager, Health to deliver wraparound supports that connect social, health, cultural, and justice services for citizens and families.
• Participate in community events, wellness initiatives, and cultural gatherings.
• Engage citizens, Elders, and families in the design and continuous improvement of social services.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Criminology, Public Administration, or a related field (equivalent combination of education and directly related management experience will be considered).
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social services, community wellness, outreach, or justice-related programming, including at least 2 years supervising staff.
• Demonstrated experience leading culturally safe, trauma-informed services with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
• Working knowledge of MCFD, FNHA, Island Health, income assistance, housing, and justice service pathways.
• Strong operational, budget, and reporting skills, including experience with funding agreements and contribution reporting.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector screening.

Preferred:

• Experience with restorative justice, diversion, or Gladue-informed processes.
• Experience overseeing food services, community kitchens, or food security programs.
• Registration as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the BC College of Social Workers.
• Familiarity with Nuu-chah-nulth culture, language, and West Coast geography.
• Training in trauma-informed practice, mental health first aid, non-violent crisis intervention, or harm reduction.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• People leadership — coaching, performance management, and building healthy team culture
• Cultural humility and commitment to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ self-determination
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based, relationship-centred practice
• Sound judgment and calm response in crisis or high-conflict situations
• Strategic and operational planning, with strong follow-through
• Financial literacy — budgets, funding agreements, and reporting
• Systems navigation across MCFD, FNHA, Island Health, housing, and justice partners
• Clear, respectful communication with staff, citizens, Elders, and partners
• Confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive personal information

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primary place of work is the Cixʷatin Centre in hitac̓u, with regular travel to Ucluelet and Port Alberni.
• Combination of office-based leadership work, community-based engagement, and field/outreach time with the team.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for community events, emergencies, or leadership responsibilities.
• Exposure to sensitive or complex situations including crisis, grief, and justice matters; supports staff working in emotionally demanding roles.
• On-call or after-hours availability may be required for urgent staffing or community matters.
• Direct reports: Outreach & Justice Worker, Head Cook.
• Reports to: Director, Health & Social Services.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, language, protocols, and governance.
• Commitment to the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ core values (Ḥaaḥuupač̓ak, Haač̓aqmis, ʔiisaakmis, quuʔasa, tiičmisʔakqin, t̓ašii, iiḥsaaḥtak).
• Understanding of the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
• Willingness to learn from Elders, participate in cultural events, and support the integration of traditional knowledge and practices into services.
  

Benefits such as:

• Competetive base salary 
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits (applicable from day one!)
• Enrolment into Municipal Pension Plan 
• 4-weeks paid vacation (with incremental increases for years of service)
• Paid personal and flex day
• Paid days off during the Christmas break
• Hybrid work arrangements (subject to operational requirements)

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work expected. YG reserves the right to amend and update responsibilities to meet operational needs. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens are encouraged to apply.