Program Manager Jobs in Chilliwack, BC (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to fostering the well-being and development of our youth. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Youth Drop-In Team Lead to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the engagement, safety, and personal growth of youth in our community.

Under the direction of the Youth and Young Adults Program Manager, the Youth Drop-In Team Lead provides culturally informed leadership and programming for youth aged 12–18. This role involves planning, organizing, and facilitating drop-in nights that include recreational, educational, and cultural activities. The Youth Drop-In Team Lead will also engage in outreach efforts to build relationships with youth and families, promote participation in the program, and connect youth at risk with additional resources and support programs.

Schedule will be Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. 

Term position with an end date of March 31, 2027. 

What you’ll do 

Program Development and Leadership

• Develop and oversee a weekly Youth Drop-In program (2 nights a week one weeknight one weekend night) that incorporates fun, educational, and culturally meaningful activities for youth.
• Plan and execute activities such as:
  
  • Cooking Nights: Hands-on sessions teaching meal preparation, food safety, and cultural recipes.
    
  • Recreational Nights: Sports, games, and team-building exercises to encourage physical activity and collaboration.
    
  • Movie Nights: Film screenings with themes that foster discussions on relevant topics like mental health or relationships.
    
  • Learning Nights: Workshops on life skills, career exploration, financial literacy, cultural teachings, or other personal development topics.
    
  • Maintain flexibility in programming to adapt to the evolving needs and interests of the youth, incorporating their feedback regularly.
    
  • Collaborate with the Schools’ Out Program and other youth initiatives to align goals, maximize resources, and avoid duplication of services.

Youth Engagement and Outreach

• Actively promote the program by connecting with youth at schools, community events, and through social media or other outreach efforts.
  
• Build trusting relationships with youth and families, encouraging consistent participation.
  
• Identify and engage youth at risk, providing mentorship and connecting them with appropriate support programs such as the Youth and Young Adults Connections Program.
  
• Foster an inclusive, safe, and positive environment that supports the emotional, physical, and social
  well-being of all participants.

Safety, Logistics, and Administration

• Establish and manage schedules and ensure program activities are well-organized and adhere to timelines.
  
• Oversee transportation logistics, including setting up and enforcing safe pickup/drop-off procedures.
  
• Ensure the safety and supervision of youth during all activities, maintaining appropriate staff-to-youth ratios.
  
• Respond to any incidents promptly and effectively, completing and filing required incident reports.
  
• Maintain accurate attendance records and other documentation as required by the program.
  
• Monitor and manage program resources, supplies, and budgets, making recommendations to the manager as needed.

Collaboration and Community Partnerships

• Work closely with schools, community partners, and local organizations to ensure program alignment with youth needs and goals.
  
• Attend community events and meetings to build awareness of the program and strengthen partnerships.
  
• Collaborate with other Seabird Island departments to integrate cultural teachings, wellness practices, and life skills into programming.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Diploma or certificate in social sciences, advocacy, community development, social work, or a related field.
  
• At least 2 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing on youth programming.
  
• FoodSafe Level 1 required
  
• First Aid Level 1 required
  
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Proven experience planning and leading youth programs, with a strong focus on safety, logistics, and inclusion.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with youth and families.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to plan and execute activities effectively.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children
• Flexibility in working hours is required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule. This program will operate 2 days a week one afternoon/evening and one day on the weekend.

Benefits and perks 

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

Reports to: 

Youth and Young Adults Program Manager

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to youth. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.