Job Opportunity | Manager, Children and Family Program Services

Published: April 07 2025 10:56

Employment Opportunity

MANAGER, CHILDREN AND FAMILY PROGRAM SERVICES

Wasoqopa’q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa’q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE

WFN is currently recruiting for a Manager, Children and Family Program Services, reporting to the Band Manager, responsible for overseeing, planning, implementing and monitoring programs and services for children and families that supports and enhances the overall health and wellbeing of our communities, including risk prevention, retention, reunification and preservation of families, through healing, education, counselling and cultural enrichment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Lead the development and delivery of programs and services that supports family retention, preservation, reunification, and preservation of families
• Working in a team environment, collaborate and coordinate across WFN departments to establish a robust set of programs and services that supports the overall wellbeing of children and families in our communities
• Provide emergency support to children and families, including crisis interventions, address domestic violence and family preservation, mediation, alternative resolutions and respite care, based on the needs of the child(ren) and families
• Establish and implement life skills and food security programs to support food and clothing security, including nutrition, cooking, household cleaning, organization and budgeting, and community clothing drives
• Support the WFN Youth Centre, Gold River Afterschool Program, and other WFN Communities, as needed, with age appropriate children’s programming including afterschool programs, day and summer camps, and recreation programs to support healthy living
• Coordinate with the Director of Community Enhancement and Cultural Revitalization to support cultural enrichment for children and families, providing meaningful ways to transfer knowledge, such as workshops, talking circles, traditions, and language learning
• Coordinate with the Director of Health, and NADACA/Mental Health and Addictions Coordinator for counselling and treatment services for children and families, to address grief, mental health and addictions treatment, and anger management, providing families with guidance and support, to prevent, retain and or restore families
• Establish an active healthy living program, that addresses physical activity, recreation and art for children and families, including encouraging movement, sport, and fitness, and art related programs such as music and creative writing
• Coordinate with WFN staff, to support health, mental health, cultural revitalization and language and ecology to support programs and activities for children and families that promotes healing and cultural enrichment.
• Establish and implement a parenting program, coordinating with existing providers and WFN departments to provide skills and in-homes supports, to nurture strong relationships between children and families, including mentorship and programs to address parenting skills, pre-and post natal classes, postpartum, parent and tots
• Adhere to all Wasoqopa’q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and administrative procedures, as required
• Working in a team environment, there may be other duties, training and activities related to the position, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in social work, Community Services Program or related field from a university, community college, or a recognized institution
• Minimum of two-years of experience in working in a similar role
• Knowledge and previous working experience in a Mi’kmaw community and with First Nation clients
• Ability to speak the Mi’kmaq language is considered an asset
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation
• Must be bondable
• Child Abuse Registry Check every two years
• Criminal Record Check upon hiring

REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with WFN children, families, employees and external contacts
• Strong multitasking skills, ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated stress management abilities, ability to work in a stressful environment
• Exceptional conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, ability to solve unique situations and problems while keeping positive professional attitude
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Demonstrated keen listening and observational ability
• Proficiency with office equipment and in using Microsoft office computer programs, e.g., excel, word, etc.
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated adherence to integrity, confidentiality, and sincerity, commitment to maintain standards of conduct and sound work ethic

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hours of work are expected to occur during regular WFN office hours, Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, sessions and or workshops may require driving for significant periods of time
• Occasionally, travel and meetings may fall outside of regular working hours
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation is required
• A great deal of time is spent working indoors in a well-maintained office environment with modern and up-to-date equipment
• Long periods of sitting and working with office equipment and computer can occur

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to **Please quote CFPSMANAGER# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, this position has been designated for a Wasoqopa’q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2025

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

(246 KB)

Wasoqopa’q First Nation | Pre-Election Notice 2025

Published: March 31 2025 09:00

NOTICE is hereby given that the Wasoqopa'q First Nation Chief and Council election will be held on June 14. 2025.

EIGHT Councillor positions and ONE position for Chief are available.

The nomination meeting for the 2025 election will be held at the Best Western PLUS Liverpool Hotel and Conference Centre, 63 Queen Place Dr. Liverpool, Nova Scotia, on Tuesday, the 6th day of May 2025, at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of nominating candidates for positions on the Band Council of the Wasoqapa'q First Nation for the next ensuing term.

Any Elector wishing to participate must either (a) show their Band card or (b) state their Band number and provide Government issued photo identification (passport, provincial driver's license or Firearms Possession and Acquisition License).

Any Elector nominated will be required to provide a criminal record check (done within 6 months prior to the Election Date) by email only, to the solicitor for the First Nation, on or before May 16, 2025. Bruce Clarke's email address is .

The Election Bylaws provide for an advance poll to be conducted for Electors who otherwise cannot vote on the day of the election. An advance poll will be conducted under the direction of the Electoral Officer on Friday May 30th, 2025, at the following times and locations:

a. Yarmouth Band office from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
b. Best Western PLUS Liverpool Hotel and Conference Centre, 63 Queen's Place Drive, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
c. Hammonds Plains Band office, Halifax from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

DATED, this 17th day of March 2025.

RESOURCE DOWNLOADS:

• 2025 Pre-Election Nomination Notice (105 KB)
• 2025 Election Handbook (185 KB)

A Letter to the SSRCE | Chief Deborah Robinson

Published: March 26 2025 08:15

Job Opportunity | Cook | Winner's One Stop Restaurant

Published: March 17 2025 13:23

Employment Opportunity

Cook

Wasoqopa’q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa’q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

Wasoqopa’q First Nation owns and operates the Winner’s One Stop Restaurant located in Yarmouth, NS. The restaurant is an upscale licensed sit-down restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a take-out menu, with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, also servicing the Tru Hilton Hotel with room service and catering.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE

WFN is currently recruiting for part-time cooks that are responsible for working as part of a team, in a fast-paced work environment to prepare quality food in accordance with the menu, to customers, with strict adherence to all health and safety regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Follows health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for the preparation and service of all menu items, specials and related products
• Establishes daily cook stations (hot and or cold side) and stocks them with the necessary supplies to prepare menu for service
• Prepares a variety of foods, grilling, frying, chopping, sautéing, broiling meat, seafood, poultry, vegetables, sauces and cold food items to standardized recipes
• Takes inventory counts before and after shifts, completing daily and weekly food inventory or storage sheets
• Estimates expected food consumption, based on demand and inventory counts to determine the requisition of supplies; may place orders for inventory
• Maintains the work area throughout the shift, keeping preparation and service areas clean and sanitized in observance of safe, sanitary food handling practices
• Adhere to all cost control guidelines that have been established, monitoring stock and utilizing products prior to expiration date to minimize waste
• Ensures the highest standards to ensure consistency in food quality and speed of quality service
• Establishes and maintains well stocked inventory of Your Winner’s World C-Store, preparing and packaging products for sale
• Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions. troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventative maintenance, calling for repairs
• Maintains daily temperature logs, checking freezers, refrigerators, or heating equipment (and record in log) to ensure proper functioning
• Creates signage for daily specials and or special occasions and events
• Prepares orders for catering services
• Adhere to all Wasoqopa’q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and Restaurant procedures
• Working in a team environment, there may be other duties, training and activities related to the position, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Culinary arts diploma and or culinary skills certification from a recognized educational institution
• Previous work experience in hospitality and or catering sector
• Food Hygiene or Food Handlers Certification
• WHMIS Certification is an asset
• First Aid & CPR Certification is an asset
• Occupational Health & Safety Certification is an asset
• Criminal record check required upon hiring

REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Detail oriented and highly observant
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage a fast paced, highly stressful work environment
• Demonstrated time management and organizational capabilities
• A commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hours of work are expected to occur during regular Restaurant hours of 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven (7) days a week (Shifts will be provided within this timeline)
• There may be a requirement for working any shift including mornings, evenings, weekends, and certain holidays
• There are instances of lifting heavy boxes at least up to 50 lb
• Standing for an extended period of time
• A great deal of time is spent working indoors in well maintained, heated/ventilated environment with modern and up-to-date equipment  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to **Please quote WOSCOOK# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and if a Wasoqopa’q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

        Download Here (234 KB)

*Income Tax Returns Form - Band Members

Published: February 20 2025 10:26

Any Wasoqopa'q First Nation Band Member wishing to file their income tax return please bring your paperwork to the nearest Wasoqopa'q First Nation Office

(This service will be provided to Members free of charge.)

  DOWNLOAD FORM (653 KB)

Notice to Band Members from Chief & Council

Published: February 15 2025 10:40

February 15, 2025

Dear Band Members,

On Thursday February 13, 2025, the RCMP made arrests on the Gold River Reserve of certain individuals who were involved in private cannabis stores. These investigations and arrests were done by the RCMP, not by Wasoqopa'q First Nation. The RCMP does not need the permission of Chief and Council to exercise their federal policing powers. Chief and Council were not involved in these RCMP arrests.

Last year, Chief and Council sought input about cannabis stores on our reserves from our Band members through a survey. A majority of Band members did not support the operation of private cannabis stores on our reserves. The cannabis stores that were raided by the RCMP were not licenced or approved in any way by Wasoqopa'q Chief and Council. There is no process to verify what is being sold from them, and whether what is veing sold is healthy for customers.

On Thursday afternoon, in apparent reaction to the RCMP arrests, some individuals broke the law by overtaking our Gold Nugget store and gas bar. Physical assaults and other crimes were committed. Some of those who were involved are being investigated for further offences. The Gold Nugget store and gas bar are owned by a company. The company is owned by our First Nation as a whole and not individual Band members.

On February 14, 2025, several protestors illegally blocked our staff from entering the store and prevented it from opening. Some of those stopping our store from operating had already been banned from the business by store management.

e Gold Nugget store and gas bar remain closed. That closure hurts our First Nation, as many of our members work there and Band members rely on the store for their needs including fuel and food, which they are now being denied.

There is, in any democracy, a right of peaceful protest. What is happening at our Gold Nugget store is not a peaceful protest. It is an illegal blockage of our businesses and an intimidation of and an assault on our employees.

A very few of our Band members, who were running personal business for their own benefit, are now acting to hurt our First Nation business, which then hurts all of us. Protestors are blocking our business, scaring our customers and disturbing the location where our after-school program takes place and now has to close. These illegal activities have to stop.

- Wasoqopa'q First Nation Chief and Council

  Download PDF (132 KB)