At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with First Nations communities to develop substance use strategies and support wellness planning.
- Company: First Nations Health Authority, a leader in health and wellness for BC First Nations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension plan, generous vacation, cultural days, and health benefits from day one.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and cultural training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health while working in a supportive and culturally safe environment.
- Qualifications: University degree in public health or related field, plus 5-7 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 91172 - 107261 $ per year.
The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative, and dedicated team members and leaders. The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes. The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce. Preference will be given to individuals who identify as First Nations from a Nation located on Vancouver Island or the surrounding areas. All interested First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals are encouraged to apply.
FNHA has a mandate to increase First Nations representation in the workforce. Applicant skills, perspectives and lived experience may be matched for this role, or other opportunities within the FNHA. FNHA is proud to have been named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2026.
As an Addictions & Substance Use Specialist, you'll collaborate with First Nations communities to support wellness planning, develop substance use strategies, and advance culturally safe care. This role combines community engagement, specialized expertise, and partnership-building to help create healthier, stronger communities across British Columbia.
To be successful in this role you will have/be:
- University degree in public health, or related field of studies, such as Allied Health, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Clinical Psychology.
- Recent, relevant, and significant experience in a mental health and substance use environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, usually acquired over a period of Five (5) to seven (7) years.
Working at FNHA:
- Municipal Pension plan with an employer contribution of 9.31%
- 3 weeks’ vacation, which increases with service to 4 weeks, plus 5 personal days, 1 volunteer day, and 14 public holidays including National Indigenous People’s Day, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Easter Monday and Boxing Day
- 5 cultural days per year for non-union First Nations, Inuit, or Métis employees
- Access to group health benefits and a Health Care Spending Account through Canada Life on day 1 of employment
Leading with culture, all FNHA employees complete San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. We support our family to be leaders in wellness and all staff members develop a yearly wellness plan as part of their performance partnership and goal-setting.
The Pay Range is the minimum and maximum annual salary based on full time equivalent hours. Incumbents are typically hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on their knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in relation to the role requirements. The top 10% of the pay range is for the incumbents who are industry experts in the job with the combination of exceptional experience and competencies needed to perform all duties and responsibilities at a superior capability level.
For more information about us, please visit: www.fnha.ca/about/work-with-us
If you have any inquiries or issues please contact FNHA Recruitment at careers@fnha.ca.
Regional Addictions Specialist – Vancouver Island in Ladysmith employer: First Nations Health Authority
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, particularly for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals. With a strong commitment to employee wellness, FNHA offers generous benefits including a robust pension plan, extensive vacation time, and cultural days, all while promoting professional growth through leadership training and community engagement initiatives. Located in the Northern Region of British Columbia, FNHA provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on health outcomes for Indigenous communities, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Details:
First Nations Health Authority Recruitment Team
