Regional Addictions Specialist

Location: Ladysmith

FNHA Overview
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.

FNHA is proud to have been named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2026. Learn more about why we were selected here.

This role supports Community Health Workers— including counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, community health representatives, and community health nurses—navigate systems with confidence and clarity. It strengthens relationships with community partners such as Island Health, creating smoother pathways for care and collaboration.

The position also works closely with FNHA‑funded treatment centres across the region and province, ensuring strong connections, shared learning, and coordinated support for communities.

Job Details

Title:

Regional Addictions Specialist

Salary:  $88,948 - $99,412 - $120,341 per year (pay range explained below)

Contract:

Term – 6 months (possibility of extension)

Hours:

Standard hours, 37.5 hours per week (core hours 9am-3pm Mon‑Fri)

Location:

Stz-uminus or Sidney office – Hybrid working is an option in line with FNHA’s flex work policy (3 days in‑office, 2 days at home). Travel will be required for community events within the region.

About

The Role
As Regional Addictions Specialist, you will provide advanced level of specialized expertise in the area of addictions, and substance use to support First Nation community development and planning and FNHA program delivery. Develop and support the implementation of addictions action plans in partnership with communities and Nations. Maintain records and evaluate response process to improve services and inform prevention or follow‑up efforts.

Work closely with the Mental Wellness Team.

About You
Education, Occupational Certification And Experience

University degree in public health, or related field of studies, such as Allied Health, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Clinical Psychology.

Up‑to‑date registration and demonstrates good standing with a professional regulatory body in the health field.

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.

Experience in the regional health authority systems/services, and working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on issues related to health and wellness.

Knowledge

Understanding of holistic health including all aspects of the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual quadrants.

Knowledge of best practices in addictions prevention, intervention and postvention.

Knowledge of community engagement and development processes.

Knowledge of assessment and screening techniques in determining addiction and other risk factors.

Knowledge of the First Nations communities within British Columbia.

Knowledge of colonization and the unique history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Knowledge of ethical requirements for documentation of addictions incident records, including addictions response.

Knowledge of trauma informed practice as it relates to First Nations.

Please refer to Job Specification section of the

Job Description for more details.

Working at FNHA
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.

Access to group health benefits and a Health Care Spending Account through Canada Life on day 1 of employment.

And more!

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…