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Passion & purpose can be powerful!

At Shäwthän Näzhì, we believe in the transformative power of healing with the land and are invested in family wellness rooted in Indigenous culture. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Recovery Program Director to lead our efforts in supporting First Nation individuals on their journey to sobriety. This role is vital in developing and managing our Recovery Support Program, which integrates culturally relevant practices and community engagement to foster healing and wellness. If you have experience in program management, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by First Nation populations, and a commitment to recovery, we want to hear from you! Your leadership will help create a supportive environment for participants and empower them on their recovery journey. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and embracing Indigenous cultural practices, apply today! Your journey towards making a difference starts here.

Organization Overview: Shäwthän Näzhì is an Indigenous not-for-profit committed to fostering healing and family wellness through culturally rooted practices. Our work emphasizes land-based recovery support and animal-based therapy, honoring the deep connection between community, culture, and the natural world. With a dynamic team of approximately 20 contractors and 5-7 full-time staff, we harness collective expertise to serve our community with integrity and compassion.

Position Summary: The Recovery Program Director will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and management of the Recovery Support Program, which aims to support First Nation individuals on their journey to sobriety from substance use. This role involves working closely with community members, program staff, and other family and community partners to create culturally relevant and effective recovery strategies that honour First Nation traditions and practices. The Recovery Program Director will manage a team of leads and support staff, and ensure the program operates within established timelines and budgets while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Designing and overseeing culturally grounded recovery programs
• Leading a multidisciplinary team and fostering professional development
• Engaging with community partners to improve program visibility
• Managing program administration and reporting

Location: offices are shared between Whitehorse and Haines Junction

Reports To: Executive Director

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Development and Oversight

• Lead the design and execution of the Recovery Support Program, ensuring it is culturally grounded and tailored to the specific needs of First Nation peoples affected by substance use.
• Collaborate with First Nation leaders and community members to integrate traditional healing practices, land-based activities, and culturally significant ceremonies into the program framework.
• Incorporate feedback from all sources to establish clear program objectives and performance metrics. Monitor and evaluate success and guide continuous improvement through flexibility and adaptation.

2. Team Coordination and Leadership

• Supervise a multidisciplinary team, including team leads, clinical staff, cultural advisors, and peer support workers, to create a cohesive and knowledgeable workforce.
• Facilitate regular training and professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their understanding of First Nation healing practices and effective substance use recovery strategies.
• Role model effective leadership, communication, and conflict resolution techniques to ensure a supportive atmosphere among team members and participants.

3. Community Engagement and Outreach

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local First Nation organizations, health services, and community leaders to enhance program visibility and participation. 
• Conduct outreach activities to educate the community about the program and its benefits, encouraging participation from individuals seeking recovery support. 
• Organize community events and workshops that promote awareness of substance use issues and provide resources for individuals and families. 
• Communicate to Yukon Communities (Mayo, Ross River and Old Crow) about the Recovery Supports Program Model, and connect with community champions to steward the implementation of community-specific recovery programming in one or more of these communities throughout one of the cohort sessions.

4. Program Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant progress, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and organizational policies.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive reports to the Executive Team and funding agencies, highlighting program successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Manage the program budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and expenditures are tracked accurately.

5. Participant Care, Self-Care and Team Support:

• Promote self-care practices among staff and participants, recognizing the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in the recovery process.
• Create a safe and welcoming environment where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and successes without fear of judgment. Creating a felt sense of self-empowerment for participants, where they have people who believe in them encouraging them on their journey.
• Facilitate regular check-ins with participants to assess their needs, provide support, and encourage ongoing engagement with the program.

 
QUALIFICATIONS

Educational & Professional Background

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, First Nation Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an asset.

• Experience: Considerable (3-5 years) experience in program and program financial/budgetary management in the health and healing field, or particularly in substance use recovery or First Nation health settings.

• Sobriety: Demonstrated lived experience in navigating recovery from substance use is highly valued. Preference will be given to candidates who have a minimum of 5 years of sobriety, demonstrating a personal commitment to recovery.

• Identity: Preference will be given to candidates who are Indigenous.

 
Essential Skills and Knowledge Base

• Leadership:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a diverse team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
  • Experience in conflict resolution and team building, promoting a positive team culture.
  • Ability to flexibly mentor and develop staff, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills.
  • Translate direction and steering from the executive level to the team for action.
  • Understanding of own strengths and growth areas as well as the team’s, with a collectivist mindset on how to proactively resolve issues.

• Financial Management:
  
  • Proficient in budget development and monitoring, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively.
  • Experience in financial reporting and analysis, providing accurate data to inform decision-making.
  • Ability to identify funding opportunities and manage grant applications and reporting processes.

• Understanding of Context and Challenges: Deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nation populations regarding substance use and the impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular insight into the context of Yukon First Nations governance, relationality and community systems.

• Knowledge of Recovery Practices: Knowledge and appreciation of culturally relevant recovery practices, including land-based healing, traditional ceremonies, and community engagement strategies.

• Organization: Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Communication: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse audiences.

• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Yukon Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Criminal Records Check.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote First Nation communities and other locations as required.
• Flexibility to adjust regular working hours and provide after-hours support for staff and contractors, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• WHMIS training and Standard First Aid/CPR certification are desirable or must be obtained within three months of hire.