Income Assistance Lead

Position Summary

Seabird Island is dedicated to advancing the well-being, and self-determination of First Nations individuals and families. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking an Income Assistance Program Lead to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance service delivery, client outcomes, and community well-being through trauma-informed, culturally grounded support.
Under the direction of the Division Manager of Employment, Training and Social Development, the Income Assistance Program Lead provides culturally informed oversight of income assistance services to community members and families. This role involves ensuring compliance with ISC guidelines, managing budgets and reporting, and leading strategic initiatives that promote inclusion, and sustainable futures. The Income Assistance Program Lead will also engage in community relations activities to support clients and foster partnerships that strengthen access to employment, wellness, and culturally relevant services.

What You'll Do

Strategic Program Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Income Assistance Program, ensuring alignment with 
  Seabird Island Band’s values, community priorities, and ISC regulations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of trauma-informed, culturally 
  safe service delivery models.
• Establish program goals, performance indicators, and evaluation frameworks to measure impact and 
  guide decision-making.
• Advocate for systemic improvements and policy changes that enhance client outcomes and promote 
  equity.

Team & Capacity Building

•  Support Income Assistance staff, fostering an accountable, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, case reviews, and professional development opportunities to ensure 
  high-quality service delivery.
• Provide guidance on complex client cases, ensuring ethical decision-making and adherence to privacy 
  and compliance standards.

Interdepartmental & Community Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Income Assistance Program and internal departments (e.g., 
  Finance, Employment, Health, Education) to ensure seamless service integration.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external agencies, training providers, and culturally 
  relevant service organizations.
• Lead the design and implementation of new initiatives (e.g., financial literacy campaigns, employment 
  readiness pathways, culturally rooted wellness supports).
• Oversee the Food Bank program, ensuring it reflects community values and operates efficiently.
• Promote client self-determination by embedding empowerment-focused practices across all program 
  components.

Program Oversight & Accountability

•  Oversee all aspects of program compliance, including ISC reporting, privacy legislation, and financial 
  stewardship.
• Review and approve complex applications, decision forms, and repayment agreements.
• Ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including data analysis and 
  narrative summaries.
• Monitor program budgets, identify funding gaps, and support grant writing or proposal development 
  as needed.

Data Management & Evaluation

• Ensure robust data collection systems are in place to track client outcomes, service utilization, and 
  community needs.
• Analyze trends to inform program planning, identify service gaps, and recommend strategic 
  interventions.
• Ensure all documentation meets ISC standards and reflects respectful, strengths-based language.

Other Duties

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

Working / Special Conditions

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

What You Bring

Qualifications:

•  A Diploma in Social Services or a related field. 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 5 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing on income 
  assistance, social services, or community wellness.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience in a human services or Indigenous community setting.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and a strong understanding of cultural safety and 
  trauma-informed practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• In-depth knowledge of ISC Income Assistance policies, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and oversee program compliance.
• Skilled in case management, client advocacy, and holistic service coordination.

Preferred:

•  Indigenous candidates, and those with lived experience as a member of a First Nations community are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• 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, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

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

How to Apply 

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email [email protected].
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

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.

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.

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