Program Director – Indigenous Mental Wellness & Substance Use Services - Confidential Employer

Program Director
Slaxin Lelum (formerly Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society)

Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid)

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Slaxin Lelum is seeking a skilled and passionate Program Director to lead our Mental Wellness and Substance Use Counseling Services. This is a rewarding opportunity to support the healing and well-being of the urban Indigenous community through culturally rooted, trauma-informed programs that reflect our values, teachings, and commitment to Indigenous ways of being.

Reporting to the CEO, the Program Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of all mental wellness and substance use programs. This role provides clinical leadership, supervises a diverse team of counselors and staff, ensures program compliance with applicable standards and Indigenous cultural frameworks, and drives continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery.

Organization Focus:

Slaxin Lelum is a culturally grounded, Indigenous-led organization that provides healing-focused services to urban Indigenous individuals, families, and communities in Metro Vancouver. Rooted in Indigenous values, we deliver trauma-informed mental wellness and substance use programming, while building strong relationships with community partners, service providers, and all levels of government. As a sister organization to the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council (MVAEC), Slaxin Lelum plays a critical role in advancing the health, healing, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples in urban settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, coordination, and evaluation of culturally based mental wellness and substance use services

• Supervise, support, and evaluate program staff, relief workers, contractors, and practicum students

• Provide clinical oversight, ensure access to supervision, and uphold high standards of trauma-informed practice

• Manage human resources, including recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluation, and staff development

• Develop and maintain program tools, protocols, policies, and reporting systems

• Ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act, Indigenous cultural philosophies, and funder requirements

• Collaborate with Elders, cultural advisors, and community partners to ensure services are respectful and effective

• Monitor budgets and oversee financial reporting for all program areas

• Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities to enhance programming

• Represent Slaxin Lelum on advisory committees and in external partnerships

• Participate in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational leadership

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Social Work, Counselling, Indigenous Health)

• Registered to provide clinical supervision and in good standing with a relevant professional association

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in management and supervision within mental wellness or substance use services

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, values, and healing practices

• Experience in trauma-informed care, program design, and clinical service delivery

• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Familiarity with financial and HR systems, legislation, and best practices in nonprofit or health service delivery

• Must pass a Criminal Records Check and have a valid Class 5 Driver’s License

• Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid model with both in-office and remote work flexibility

• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required

• Some travel within Metro Vancouver (including Richmond and the North Shore) and across BC may be required

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to hr@mvaec.ca with the subject line: Program Director.

In your cover letter, please self-identify if you are of Indigenous ancestry and outline how your education, experience, and values align with this role.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.