Family Prevention Manager at Nakazdli Whuten – Fort St. James, British Columbia

Job Title: Family Prevention Manager

Location: Fort St. James

Employment Type: Full-Time

Report to: Director of Community Services

Wage: $32.00 - $34.00 based on experience

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community.

Job Summary

The Family Prevention Manager works in close partnership with families, Elders, leadership, and community programs to strengthen the well-being of children, youth, and caregivers through culturally grounded prevention initiatives. This role oversees the planning coordination, and implementation of prevention-focused programs that promote safety, resilience, and healthy family relationships.

Guided by community priorities and prevention funding objectives, the Family Prevention Manager supports early intervention, land-based and cultural programming, and wrap-around supports that address the root causes of harm. This position emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and culturally responsive approaches to ensure programs are effective, sustainable, and reflective of the Nation’s values, teachings, and vision for future generations.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Nation-Based Prevention

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of family prevention and early intervention programs grounded in the Nation’s culture, language, and teachings.
• Ensure programs align with community wellness plans, Chief and Council direction, and funding agreements.
• Support initiatives that uphold the Nation’s inherent responsibility to care for children and families.
• Develop program goals, work plans, and outcome measures that reflect Indigenous definitions of wellness and success.

Cultural Guidance & Community Engagement

• Work respectfully with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to guide program design, cultural protocols, and decision-making.
• Support land-based, seasonal, and cultural activities that strengthen identity, intergenerational connection, and healing.
• Engage families as partners in prevention and promote community-led solutions.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Supervise, mentor, and support prevention and family wellness staff.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and culturally grounded work environment.
• Encourage staff learning related to cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and Indigenous-led prevention models.

Collaboration & Wrap-Around Supports

• Work closely with internal departments (health, education, child and family services, justice, housing) to coordinate holistic support.
• Build partnerships with neighboring Nations, Tribal Councils, and external service providers while upholding Nation sovereignty.
• Participate in inter-agency planning and case coordination with a prevention-first focus.

Administration, Accountability & Reporting

• Manage program budgets, funding deliverables, and reports in accordance with funder and Nation requirements.
• Support data collection and evaluation approaches that respect OCAP® principles or Nation-specific data governance.
• Ensure policies and practices protect confidentiality and uphold cultural and ethical standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Degree or diploma in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Human Services, Community Development, or a related field; equivalent lived experience and cultural knowledge will be strongly considered.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in First Nation family services, prevention, child and family wellness, or community programming.
• Supervisory or program leadership experience is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of First Nation history, culture, and the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and child welfare systems.
• Knowledge of prevention, early intervention, and holistic family wellness approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Elders, families, and leadership.
• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, funding agreements, and reporting requirements.
• Commitment to First Nation self-determination and community-led solutions.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to follow cultural protocols and uphold the Nation’s values at all times.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for community and regional meetings.
• Successful completion of a criminal record and vulnerable sector check.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily community-based, with time spent in office, on the land, and at community events.
• Flexible work hours may be required, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical activity may be required for land-based and cultural programming.
• Emotional demands may be present when supporting families impacted by trauma or systemic barriers.
• Work is carried out in a culturally respectful, collaborative, and community-centered environment.

Hours of Work

Your regular hours of work will be from 8:00am - 4:00pm for 7 hours per day from Monday to Friday and it is expected that all work will be completed within your regular working hours, however, you may be required from time to time to work outside your normal hours of work.

Indigenous Commitment Statement

"Nak'azdli Whut'en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honor and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being."

Application Instructions

Nak’azdli Whut’en offers the opportunity to lead with purpose and create meaningful change for our community. As Family Prevention Manager, you will have the chance to shape the future, empower a talented team, and build a legacy that reflects our values and aspirations. You can also send us an email with your resume, cover letter and three references at jobs@nakazdliwhuten.ca