Manager of Wellness Programs

Reporting to the Director of Health and Wellness, the Manager of Wellness Programs is responsible for the operational leadership, supervision, and performance management of all non-clinical wellness portfolios, including Healthy Child Development and Food Sovereignty, among other Community Wellness initiatives.

This position ensures day-to-day program execution, staff accountability, and alignment with the AFN Health Plan (2024–2029) and annual Operational Work Plans. The Manager oversees budgets and reporting, strengthens cross-department collaboration, and ensures programs are culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and aligned with Ktunaxa values.

The role serves as the primary operational lead for wellness programming and supervises staff to ensure high-quality, consistent, and measurable service delivery.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (″ʔAFN″) is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values.  As a team, through our roles and departments, the ʔAFN Administration works together to achieve our strategic plan and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Major Position Responsibilities: 

Operational Leadership & Program Accountability

• Lead execution of all non-clinical wellness programs, ensuring timely delivery of approved workplans.


• Monitor program performance indicators.


• Oversee integration across Healthy Child Development, Food Sovereignty, and other community wellness initiatives to ensure cohesive service delivery.

Staff Supervision & Performance Management

• Provide direct supervision to community wellness staff


• Establish clear annual goals and performance expectations.


• Conduct structured supervision meetings and performance reviews.


• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession planning.


• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and culturally grounded team culture.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Develop and manage annual wellness program budgets in collaboration with the Director.


• Monitor expenditures and ensure alignment with funding agreements.


• Approve program-related expenditures within delegated authority.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Oversee incident reporting and follow-up.


• Ensure confidentiality standards are maintained.


• Support development and implementation of wellness and administrative policies.


• Escalate high-risk matters to the Director.

Working Conditions:

• The role requires regular engagement with individuals experiencing trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges, as well as involvement in complex, confidential, and sensitive matters. Strong ethical judgment and discretion are required.


• Travel within the community and region may be required.


• Evening and weekend availability may be necessary for workshops or client support.

Qualifications:

• Relevant post-secondary education in social/health sciences, community health, or an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and demonstrated leadership in Indigenous community wellness settings.
  


• Experience in health promotion, community wellness programming, harm reduction, other relevant health and wellness areas.


• Experience working with First Nations communities and a strong understanding of the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers.


• Knowledge of Indigenous health funding models, FNHA processes, and administration systems.


• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices, traditions, and community values (or willingness to learn).


• Demonstrated ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and engage effectively with individuals and families.


• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.


• Empathy, patience, and ability to work with individuals in vulnerable situations.


• Ability to balance cultural approaches with professional health practices.


• Organized with strong time management and documentation skills.


• Comfortable working independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.


• Commitment to ongoing learning in Indigenous cultural safety and trauma-informed practice.


• Valid Driver's License 

NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant.

What we offer:

• Starting salary between $80,000 to $95,000, depending on education and experience


• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year


• Paid annual vacation and sick days


• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service


• Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service


• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.