Okanagan Indian Band Social Development Manager

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Cultural Leave
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: 37.5 hours per week**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: October 17, 2025**

JOB SUMMARY
To promote and encourage the independence of individuals utilizing the Social Programs of the Okanagan Indian Band. Ensure programs are developed which will encourage the participation of as many individuals as possible. Recognize that Culture and Traditions are an important piece of the First Nation history but acknowledging that not all individuals are at the point of embracing their culture. It is important to develop a working relationship with outside agencies in order to assist staff with referrals. Maintain the budget to ensure individuals will receive the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. Help establish a foundation of trained individuals that are able to become gainfully employed and/or attend educational programs to build on their skills.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Director of Administration (DOA)

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management

• Provides leadership, direction and support in the development, funding, implementation, management, administration and delivery of Social Development programs that include Income Assistance, Education Employment and Training (PESP), OTDC and other programs that support the OKIB Community.

• Facilitates the creation of goals and objectives for specific program and service areas. Assists in developing strategies to achieve these goals and identifies barriers that may impact success.

• Monitors Social Development and Employment programs to ensure they meet the needs of the community. Implements changes as required, and in consultation with the Director of Operations. This includes ensuring that clients receive adequate services of regular, timely and accurate support payments in adherence to legislation, regulations and policies.

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with Indigenous Services Canada, and other ministries and agencies.

• Recommends to the DOA & Chief and Council ways and means to alleviate or resolve social problems in the community.

• Facilitates and promotes healthy lifestyles in the community.

• Manages the development and implementation of effective communication regarding programs and services. Promotes community involvement and engages community in determining program and service needs and evaluating effectiveness and satisfaction.

• Participates in the planning of community events, training and community educational opportunities.

• Evaluates the overall effectiveness of Social Development programs to achieve pre-approved department goals, objectives and work plans. Ensures programs and services are client-centered and accessible.

• Have knowledge of the latest Labour Market trends to promote skilled members to employment and education

Department Leadership

• Provides leadership, direction and support of Social Development and Employment and Training programs.

• Participates in recruitment / selection of department employees and contractors following OKIB recruiting policies and practices. Ensures effective onboarding and orientation of new staff.

• Directs, guides, coaches and mentor’s staff.

• Ensures that all employees within the department have the skills and knowledge to perform the responsibilities of their positions.

• Ensures all staff follow safe work procedures.

• Supports staff to manage their own self-care.

• Manages employee performance and development including day-to-day coaching, performance planning and review, employee training and development, performance improvement plans, and corrective action as required.

Financial Management and Administration

• Provides leadership and support in the development and submission of proposals for funding and approves proposals for funding upon consultation with the DOA.

• Oversees the development and submission of financial reports to funding organizations as required.

• Under the direction of the DOA the incumbent manages the financial affairs of the department and reports on the financial performance.

• Prepares annual budget for the department in consultation with the Director of Finance (DOF) and the DOA, following established policies, guidelines and protocols.

• Monitors, tracks and reconciles expenditures to approved budget(s), identifying variances and needs for planned revisions.

• Monitors and approves expenditures to authorized budget.

• Oversees the development, review and administration of department records and information systems.

• Provides regular and special oral and written reports to the DOA and or Chief and Council.

Management Team

• Participates as a collaborative member of the DOA’s business unit leadership team

• Works cross functionally with this team and across the organization to ensure a healthy and productive work environment where employees work together to achieve individual, departmental and OKIB goals.

• Keeps the DOA apprised on emergent issues that may affect Social Development programs.

• Maintains a current level of knowledge related to Social Development and governing regulations and requirements.

• Other related duties as required.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Social Work or directly related field.

• BSDW Certificate

• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain

• Two to Five years of directly related experience delivering social development programing with two years at a management level.

• Experience developing and managing a variety of Social Development programs.

• Income Assistance program training an asset

• Related experience in planning, financial management, proposal/grant writing & reporting, and advanced policy development.

• Experience working with related regulations and professional practices and standards.

• Experience working within an Indigenous community.

• Experience working with individuals with multiple barriers (health, mental health, trauma etc.)

• Current Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.

• Satisfactory criminal records check (vulnerable sector)

Experience

• Experience working in First Nations communities

• Strong knowledge of social development programs as well as the Child Family and Community Services Act and other related legislation.

• Ability to manage and mentor a team of employees and external service providers.

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution.

• Ability to think analytically at a strategic level while working in an environment where priorities may change based on community needs.

• Well-developed writing skills including report writing and proposal writing.

• Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding. Able to build caring relationships built on trust. Able to demonstrate respect and caring without judgement.

• Understands social determinants of health and wellness within Indigenous communities.

• Knowledge of the history of Indigenous people in Canada and the impact of historical trauma.

• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse.

• Financial literacy including financial planning and budget preparation and administration.

• Ability to develop and administer policy.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Attentive to the needs of community, Chief & Council and employees.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, community members and co-workers.

• Strong engagement skills and the ability to respond to concerns and needs.

• Intermediate computer skills including MS Office.

• Genuine respect for OKIB culture and protocols.

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

• The ability to understand and appreciate the values, beliefs, and behaviors of people from different cultures

• Conflict resolution skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure

• Proven experience in project management

• Adherence to WorkSafe Health and Safety

• Exceptional interpersonal skills

• Effective interviewing skills

• Ability to supervise and manage performance

• Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy

• Honest, trustworthy and respectful

• Travel may be required

• Analytical and problem-solving skills

• Decision making skills

• Effective verbal and listening communication skills

• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy

• Effective organizational skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Excellent written communication skills

• Computer skills word-processing programs, and e-mail at a highly proficient level

• Stress management skills

• Time management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Must demonstrate sound judgment particularly in dealing with safety issues and in dealing with aggressive clients and/or clients and children at risk

DIRECT REPORTS
Band Social Development Workers, Pre-employment Caseworkers, Income Assistance and First Nation Youth Strategy Program Manager, Okanagan and Training Development Council Worker(s) and the Employment & Training Coordinator.

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$86,000.00 - $115,000.00 per annum dependant on education and experience

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years