Director of Child, Youth & Family Services

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations, the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services is a senior leader within the Southern Chiefs’ Organization responsible for advancing initiatives that support the wellbeing, safety and long-term success of First Nations children, youth, and families. This role provides leadership across programs and initiatives that address child welfare reform, youth development, family violence prevention, healing from historical harms, and equitable access to services for First Nations children.

In addition to overseeing program delivery, the Director brings a long-term systems change perspective to the department’s work. The position supports the development of culturally grounded policies, governance approaches, and service models that contribute to structural improvements in the systems that impact First Nations children and families.

Working closely with Anishinaabe and Dakota Knowledge Keepers, member Nations, southern First Nations Child and Family Services agencies, and government partners, the Director helps advance approaches that strengthen First Nations jurisdiction, promote prevention and family wellbeing, and support long-term transformation of child and family services systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Systems Change:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Child, Youth and Family Services department with a focus on advancing long-term improvements to systems impacting First Nations children, youth, and families.
• Identify structural barriers within child welfare, health, education, and social systems that affect First Nations children and families, and support initiatives aimed at addressing those barriers.
• Contribute to the development of culturally grounded policy frameworks, governance models, and service approaches that strengthen First Nations leadership and decision-making in child and family wellbeing.
• Support SCO leadership in advancing long-term priorities related to prevention, family wellbeing, youth empowerment, and healing from historical harms.

Child Welfare Policy and Systems Transformation:

• Work closely with Anishinaabe and Dakota Knowledge Keepers, community members, leadership, and southern First Nations Child and Family Services agencies in the development and drafting of Anishinaabe and Dakota Nation family law approaches.
• Lead research, engagement, and analysis related to the development of culturally grounded family law frameworks and child welfare models.
• Monitor and analyze federal and provincial legislation, policies, and programs affecting First Nations children and families.
• Provide policy analysis and strategic advice to SCO leadership regarding child welfare reform and long-term systems transformation.

Program Oversight:

• Provide leadership and oversight for departmental programs including:
  • Child Welfare initiatives
  • Jordan’s Principle program
  • Youth programs
  • Waakaabit and Woksape initiatives
  • Family Violence Prevention programs
  • Childhood Claims supports
  • Residential School Research Project
• Ensure programs operate effectively while also contributing knowledge, evidence, and experience to broader policy and systems change initiatives.

Community and Nation Engagement

• Facilitate engagement sessions with member Nations, community members, and service providers to inform program and policy development.
• Support Nation-led priorities related to family wellbeing, youth supports, and prevention initiatives.
• Ensure programs reflect cultural knowledge, community priorities, and the voices of children, youth, and families.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain strong relationships with federal and provincial governments, Indigenous organizations, service providers, and research partners.
• Participate in working groups and initiatives related to child welfare reform, youth development, and family wellbeing.
• Represent SCO in discussions related to systemic improvements affecting First Nations children and families.

Program Monitoring and Knowledge Development

• Monitor program outcomes and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and long-term impact.
• Support research, evaluation, and knowledge sharing to inform policy development and program improvement.
• Provide updates and reports to senior leadership regarding departmental activities and emerging issues.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in child welfare, social services, Indigenous governance, policy development, or related sectors
• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities, organizations, or governments
• Experience in program leadership, strategic planning, and management of multi-program portfolios
• Strong understanding of First Nations child welfare issues, including prevention-based approaches, family wellbeing, and culturally grounded service models
• Knowledge of the history and impacts of colonialism, Indian Residential Schools, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism affecting First Nations children, youth, and families
• Knowledge of federal and provincial child welfare legislation, policies, programs, and funding frameworks affecting First Nations communities
• Experience conducting research, policy analysis, and community engagement processes
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, policy frameworks, program structures, and government initiatives
• Experience working with multi-sector partnerships and government stakeholders
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and written/oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint)
• Ability to speak Anishinaabe or Dakota languages an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector search and current and clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry checks
• PHIA Certification would be considered an asset
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Manitoba driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle, as travel to First Nations communities and partner organizations will be required
• Ability to travel within Manitoba and occasionally nationally as required
• If the candidate is a member of a regulated profession, they must be a member in good standing with their professional regulatory body

WAGE RANGE: Commensurate with experience.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, April 10^th, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.