At a Glance
- Tasks: Support First Nations individuals on their wellness journeys and enhance access to health services.
- Company: Join the First Nations Health Authority, a leader in Indigenous health and wellness.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension plan, vacation days, and cultural leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on personal growth and cultural safety training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of First Nations communities while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in health services, especially with First Nations communities.
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. 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, Inuit, or Métis. All interested First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals are encouraged to apply.
As a Wellness Navigator, you will play a key role in advancing FNHA's vision of Healthy, Vibrant and Self-Determining BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities. Working within a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and harm reduction framework, you will support First Nations individuals, families and communities on their wellness journeys by facilitating access to substance use, mental health, wellness, and public health services. Working collaboratively with community partners, healthcare providers, wellness workers, people with lived and living experience, and policing services, you will strengthen pathways to care, build community capacity, and enhance access to culturally grounded supports.
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Education And Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Recent and relevant experience (usually acquired over a period of 3-5 years)
- Experience in the regional health authority systems/services and in particular working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on issues related to health and wellness
- Experience supporting people who use drugs and their families
- Experience in the mapping of health and/or social systems and assets
- Experience in harm reduction and knowledge of BC model of care – from prevention and harm reduction to treatment and recovery
- Certificate in Substance use specialization and relevant experience
- First aid level 1 (with CPR), Hep B shot, and flu vaccine
- Naloxone training
- Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:
- In-depth knowledge of the BC health care system, and the current landscape of First Nations health in BC
- In-depth knowledge of First Nations health and wellness system needs
- Thorough understanding of person-centered care to provide holistic, integrated, coordinated, and high-quality care that respects diversity and culture
- Knowledge and support of Harm Reduction approach to substance use recovery
- Trauma informed practice
- Motivational interviewing
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:
- 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
The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. 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.
Closing date: October 2, 2026 (at 23:59)
What You Can Expect From Us: Joining our family means joining an organization that supports personal growth, in-house training, a paid volunteer day and a unique full-day orientation program. 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.
Please note that only those applicants shortlisted will be contacted. If you do not hear from us about this position, please accept our sincere appreciation for your interest in FNHA!
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 or 1-844-699-3186.
Wellness Navigator, Substance Use in Vancouver 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
