WAH POW HEALING AND WELLNESS SOCIETY (WPHWS)

Call for Proposals

COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST

The Wah Pow Healing and Wellness Society (WPHWS), located on Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, is seeking a qualified and experienced Community Assessment Specialist to lead a comprehensive assessment of community needs related to detoxification and stabilization services.

WPHWS is a federally incorporated non-profit organization overseeing the Wah Pow Healing Lodge, which has provided NNADAP-funded residential treatment since 1984. The organization is dedicated to holistic healing by balancing Indigenous healing practices with Western addiction treatment approaches.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Location: Beaver Lake Cree Nation (Lac La Biche, AB)
• Term: 18–24 months
• Reporting To: Executive Director

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Community Development, or related field (Master’s degree considered an asset)
• Experience in community-based research, program evaluation, or needs assessments
• Knowledge of substance use, harm reduction, and detox/withdrawal management services
• Strong facilitation, interviewing, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and vulnerable populations
• Ability to analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with trauma-informed and culturally safe practices
• Proficiency with data collection and analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, or NVivo
• Strong project management and organizational skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and implement a community assessment focused on detox and withdrawal management needs
• Collect data through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and review of existing reports and health data
• Engage healthcare providers, social service agencies, Indigenous organizations, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience
• Identify service gaps, barriers to access, and underserved populations
• Map existing detox/stabilization services and referral pathways
• Analyze data to identify trends, priorities, and emerging community needs
• Prepare reports outlining findings, recommendations, and actionable strategies
• Present findings to stakeholders, leadership teams, and funders
• Ensure all assessment activities follow culturally safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards throughout the assessment process

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Combination of office, fieldwork, and virtual work
• May require travel within the community or region
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends for community engagement activities

DELIVERABLES:

• Community Needs Assessment Report
• Service Gap Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement Summary
• Recommendations for detox/stabilization service planning and improvements

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must submit the following:

• Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications
• Current Resume including three (3) professional references
• Copies of relevant certifications or credentials
• Detailed Budget for Services aligned with the scope of work
• Completed Application Form

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

May 22, 2026

Final Notification: Successful candidate will be notified by June 5, 2026

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO:

Corinne Lewis-Coutre, Executive Director

Wah Pow Healing Lodge
Box 1648
Lac La Biche, Alberta
T0A 2C0

Email: Executive.Director@wahpow.ca
Fax: 780-623-4523
Phone (Inquiries): 780-623-2553

Wah Pow Healing Lodge thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only one successful candidate will be selected. Notifications will be provided to all applicants regarding their status.