Health & Social Services Director

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of Millbrook First Nation.

Statement of Intention
We deeply value the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our team and community. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those who identify as Mi’kmaq and/or are members of Millbrook First Nation.

We also warmly welcome applications from all equity-deserving individuals, including those who identify as African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, a person with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or newcomers to Canada. If you’re comfortable, please share this information and your pronouns in your application.

To ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process, we’ve partnered with the P4G search team, who are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment. They’re here to listen and help accommodate your needs, ensuring your experience throughout this process is intentional, inclusive, and respectful.

 

About Millbrook First Nation
Millbrook First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community located within the town of Millbrook, Nova Scotia, near Truro, with additional reserve lands in Beaver Dam, Sheet Harbour, Dartmouth, and Cole Harbour. Known for its strong leadership and forward-thinking economic development, Millbrook is home to thriving ventures such as the Millbrook Power Centre, a gaming centre in Cole Harbour, and a wharf in Sheet Harbour.

At its core, Millbrook is a place of deep connection, where Mi’kmaw values guide everyday life and where the well-being of all generations is a shared priority. The community is deeply committed to supporting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of its members, with Health and Social Services playing a central role in that vision. Rooted in both traditional knowledge and modern health practices, Millbrook’s health team works collaboratively with community partners to deliver culturally relevant care and wellness supports that honour Mi’kmaq identity, community relationships, and long-term healing.

About the Health Centre
The Millbrook Health Centre provides community-focused health services that integrate culturally embedded Mi’kmaw practices with modern healthcare delivery. The Health Services team supports the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of community members through approaches rooted in culture, connection, and trust.

Using an interprofessional care model, the Health Centre works alongside traditional knowledge holders, wellness practitioners, and health professionals to achieve meaningful health and wellness outcomes for the community. Care is grounded in cultural safety and guided by community priorities, ensuring that services reflect Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and the lived realities of Millbrook First Nation.

This Moment, This Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Health Services plays a central role in guiding the day-to-day operations of the Millbrook Health Centre and supporting a committed team of health professionals. This is a leadership position for someone who brings strong management experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to community health and wellness.

In this role, you will oversee administrative functions, coordinate the implementation of the health centre’s work plan, and provide direction, coaching, and performance support to staff. You will also liaise with external health partners and government agencies, all while ensuring that health services reflect both community priorities and culturally embedded practices. Your responsibilities include budgeting, policy development, reporting, and ensuring the safeguarding of client confidentiality and information management.

This position requires a leader who can effectively balance operational oversight with meaningful relationship-building, advocacy, and upholding integrity. You will work closely with staff, leadership, and community members, guiding the Health Centre with steady judgment while ensuring that culturally embedded practices and community priorities remain at the heart of decision-making. By fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and supporting your team to do their best work, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the delivery of health services and advancing long-term wellness outcomes for Millbrook First Nation.

How You’ll Contribute
Administrative Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the Health Centre and the implementation of the health work plan.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual health program budget and financial accounts.
• Maintain administrative records and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Develop, recommend, and implement policies aligned with community needs and strategic goals.
• Analyze health-related data to support planning and improve service delivery.
• Plan and evaluate health programs to ensure services are effective and responsive to community needs.

People & Performance Management

• Provide supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation for health centre staff.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative, and culturally grounded team environment.
• Support staff development through training, capacity building, and performance planning.
• Recruit specialized health professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, mental health clinicians) as required.
• Assist with conflict resolution involving staff and community members.

Community & External Partnerships

• Represent Millbrook Health Services to external agencies, government departments, and health partners.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with regional hospitals, pharmacies, universities, and Indigenous organizations.
• Coordinate required reporting for accountability, public awareness, and community transparency.
• Advocate for the health needs of Millbrook First Nation in government and partner discussions.
• Act as a first point of appeal for the interpretation of health-related policies.

Cultural & Client Care Responsibilities

• Ensure services integrate culturally embedded practices and traditional wellness approaches.
• Safeguard confidentiality and comply with federal and provincial privacy legislation.
• Support community-led health priorities in alignment with leadership direction.
• Work collaboratively with other Band departments to provide wraparound community support.
• Promote an environment rooted in respect, cultural safety, and trust.

 

What You’ll Bring
The Director of Health Services will bring a combination of professional knowledge, leadership skills, and community-aligned experience to guide the Health Centre and support wellness for Millbrook First Nation.

Education & Professional Experience

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Health Administration or Health Promotion will be considered an asset. A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Health Administration, Health Management or related health profession with an equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in health care or health program administration.
• Proven experience leading interdisciplinary teams and complex health operations.
• Familiarity with Indigenous or First Nation health systems and community health models will be considered an asset.
• Active professional registration and good standing with a provincially regulated health college.

Health Systems & Technical Expertise

• Working knowledge of culturally safe, holistic, and community-based models of care.
• Understanding of legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks that guide health care delivery.
• Strong grounding in privacy legislation, ethical care standards, and client confidentiality practices.
• Experience navigating provincial, federal, and Indigenous health funding structures and associated reporting requirements.

Leadership & Strategic Skills

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team with clarity and care.
• Skilled in planning, evaluation, and decision-making within a complex health environment.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills with agencies, governments, and community interest holders.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts, service agreements, and program reporting.
• Effective communicator with the ability to navigate sensitive situations and act with discretion and professionalism.

Culture & Community Alignment

• Deep respect for Mi’kmaw culture, identity, and community protocols, and a commitment to culturally grounded care.
• Leads in a way that reflects accountability to community wellness, not only organizational outcomes.
• Values relational leadership: building trust, listening with care, and fostering belonging among staff and community.
• Supports Indigenous sovereignty in health systems, acknowledging the importance of self-determined care.
• Champions cultural safety in service delivery, workplace culture, and decision-making.

The Package
Salary: $90,000 – $110,000. Compensation is based on education, skills and experience.

Benefits & Perks: Health & Dental coverage, Pension Plan, paid Vacation and Medical days, 2-week paid Holiday Shutdown, observance of Federal and Provincial Holidays, 4 additional Indigenious Holidays, and Summer Fridays.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 32-hour compressed work week. Some evenings and weekend availability will be required from time to time.

Location: On-site at Millbrook Health Centre, 812 Willow St, Truro, NS B2N 6N7

What To Expect
Hiring processes often reflect systems that don’t work for everyone. At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. Our desire is that candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G—someone who approaches recruitment non-traditionally and wants to learn what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
• Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.

Application Details
Ready to take the next step? Click “Apply” to be redirected to our website, where you’ll find the opportunity brief and application link.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm (noon) AT on November 24, 2025.

Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.

Wela’lioq!