The Director of Child and Family Services is responsible for the overall leadership and management of child and family service programs within the Stoney Nakoda Nation. This role provides strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed services that support the safety, well-being, and development of children, youth, and families.
The Director leads program planning, service delivery, workforce development, budgeting, and compliance with applicable legislation and standards. Working collaboratively with Chiefs and Council, Elders, community leadership, internal departments, and external partners, the Director supports the development of integrated, community-based services that reflect Indigenous values and strengthen family and community connections.
This role is focused on advancing family-centered, prevention-based approaches and ensures that programs promote resilience, cultural identity, and positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.
*Preference will be given to candidates who are currently delegated, or who have held delegation within the last two years, by the Province of Alberta to provide services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. While not required upon hire, obtaining and maintaining delegation may become a requirement of the role.
Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership and expert guidance in the delivery of child and family services.
- Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed, family-centered, and community-driven approaches to service delivery.
- Support the integration of Indigenous values, traditions, healing practices, and culturally grounded approaches into programs and services.
- Build collaborative relationships with Chiefs and Council, Elders, community leadership, external agencies, and Indigenous stakeholders.
- Lead and support managers, supervisors, and teams through coaching, mentorship, employee relations support, performance management, conflict resolution, and professional development.
- Support employee wellness initiatives and foster a respectful, healthy, and supportive work environment across the program.
- Participate in strategic planning, workforce planning, budgeting, operational planning, and organizational initiatives.
Operational & Resource Management
- Oversee financial, operational, and human resource planning within the department.
- Ensure effective staffing, scheduling, workload management, and service coordination across programs and teams.
- Support compliance with applicable legislation, policies, standards, and organizational procedures.
- Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that align with Indigenous cultural values, trauma-informed practices, and community priorities.
- Monitor accountability measures, reporting requirements, and operational performance indicators.
- Address employee-related issues and concerns in collaboration with leadership and Human Resources as required.
Service Delivery & Issues Management
- Ensure effective and responsive child and family services for children, youth, and families.
- Support prevention, family enhancement, kinship, and intervention approaches that prioritize family preservation and community connection whenever safely possible.
- Provide guidance and consultation to supervisors and staff regarding complex case planning, family enhancement strategies, employee concerns, and culturally appropriate interventions.
- Support teams in managing sensitive and complex situations with professionalism, compassion, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed practices.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with Alberta Children and Family Services and external stakeholders where applicable.
- Monitor emerging community needs, service trends, and operational risks and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Support public relations, presentations, community engagement initiatives, and stakeholder meetings as required.
Quality Assurance
- Review and evaluate service delivery practices to identify opportunities for improvement and enhanced outcomes.
- Support program accountability measures, audits, reporting requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure staff and leadership remain informed regarding legislative updates, policy changes, trauma-informed practices, and best practices related to child and family services and Indigenous family wellness.
- Participate in leadership meetings, governance discussions, and organizational projects to support service excellence and long-term planning.
Qualifications
- University degree in Social Work, Human Services, Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience, preferably within child and family services, Indigenous communities, healthcare, or social services environments.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Assets
- Strong understanding of child and family service practices and related legislation.
- Experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities in a culturally respectful and supportive manner.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and approaches.
- Understanding of Indigenous cultural values, intergenerational trauma, and family-centered service approaches.
- Knowledge of relevant provincial legislation, regulations, and child and family service practices.
- Strong leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, employee relations, and team development skills.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Experience with strategic planning, program development, budgeting, operational management, and performance management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives and manage complex situations effectively.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of Stoney Nakoda culture, traditions, and language is considered an asset.
Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate competencies including:
- Agility: Ability to identify and manage change while supporting teams through complex environments.
- Build Collaborative Environments: Ability to foster collaborative relationships with internal teams, leadership, families, and community stakeholders.
- Creative Problem Solving: Ability to develop innovative and community-centered solutions to complex service delivery challenges.
- Developing Networks: Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships across communities and organizations.
- Systems Thinking: Ability to understand broader organizational, community, and legislative impacts on service delivery.
- Drive for Results: Commitment to accountability, service excellence, employee wellness, and positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.
- For additional information regarding competencies, please visit: APS Competency Model
Additional Requirements
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Ability to travel within Stoney Nakoda Nation communities as required.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as operationally required.
- Successful completion of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and applicable intervention checks.
- Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) is considered an asset where applicable.
Why Join Stoney Child and Family Services?
- Opportunity to support Indigenous children, youth, and families in a meaningful and impactful way.
- Collaborative and community-focused work environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to culturally grounded and community-led services.
- Leadership and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
*Additional information regarding Alberta social work registration requirements can be found at the Alberta College of Social Workers website.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience relevant to this position.
Email: [email protected]
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Morley, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you currently delegated, or have you held delegation under Alberta's Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act within the last two years? If so, can you describe the scope of your delegation?
- Tell us about your experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities. How has that experience influenced your leadership approach?
- Describe the largest team, program, or department you have led. What were your key responsibilities and what results were you most proud of?
- What experience do you have managing budgets, staffing plans, and operational priorities? Approximately what size budget or program have you overseen?
Licence/Certification:
- degree in Social Work, Human Services, or Psychology (required)
- registration with ACSW (required)
Work Location: In person
