Ontario Public Service Careers

Lead with purpose. Build trust. Transform lives.

Every day, your leadership will help create safer, healthier, and stronger communities by working in true partnership with Indigenous peoples across Ontario.

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is looking for a collaborative leader to lead a strategy that has supported Indigenous healing and wellness for over 30 years. This role is about building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring programs reflect the voices and priorities of Indigenous partners. Your leadership will directly impact family well-being, mental health, and community resilience across Ontario.

The Community and Indigenous Supports Branch delivers the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy (IHWS) —a long-standing, multi-ministry strategy focused on culturally grounded supports. We work across government and in partnership with Indigenous communities, First Nations, and provincial organizations to coordinate funding, services, and emergency response. Our approach is collaborative, comprehensive, and rooted in respect.

Please note: Primary work location is 315 Front Street West in Toronto. Applicants may be considered for other MCCSS office locations subject to approved space and operational requirements.

Why Join Us

Community Impact. Collaboration. Partnership.
You'll leave every day knowing you've made a difference shaping long-term community wellness. This is meaningful work that addresses complex challenges and improves lives.

The Ontario Public Service: Strengthening Ontario, Together.

A career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is driven by purpose. We're building a stronger Ontario by delivering programs and services that make a real difference in people's lives. If you share this ambition, you'll find a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people we serve and empowers you to lead with confidence.

Why Your Leadership Belongs Here

Purpose that drives you: Lead work that matters. Your leadership will shape policies, programs, and services that improve lives across the province—every day.
A culture that supports you: Thrive in a flexible, inclusive, and respectful workplace that values your well-being and empowers you to bring your whole self to work.
A career that grows with you: Explore leadership opportunities across ministries and sectors. With access to mentorship, learning, and mobility, your career can evolve here.
Recognition that reflects your impact: We value the difference you make. You'll receive competitive pay, a defined-benefit pension, and benefits that support your well-being—plus meaningful recognition for your contributions.

About the job

We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right, even when it's hard.

As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.

You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.

Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one. You will:

Partner across government and with communities to oversee Indigenous Healing and Wellness program delivery and ensure services meet community needs.
Manage budgets, contracts, and funding flows with accuracy and transparency.
Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, government ministries, and service providers.
Establish and restore partnership tables to advance shared priorities.
Influence policy and strategic direction across ministries to ensure community and Indigenous supports are part of broader government priorities.
Guide your team through organizational transitions and process improvements.

Meet Your New Team

The Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy team is deeply committed to community and collaboration. They're engaged, passionate, and purpose-driven, working across Ontario to support Indigenous partners and deliver programs that make a real difference.

The team values connection and shared learning, team building and collaborative practices are an important part of how we work with community and government partners.

Leadership Bio

This position reports to Harriett Grant, Director, Community and Indigenous Supports Branch. Harriett is leader committed to diversity, coaching and developing staff so that they can achieve their full potential. She works with the branch leadership team to create a positive workplace culture where people are valued and treated with respect and empathy. Harriett works collaboratively with colleagues and staff to improve the division's programs and ability to deliver on government priorities, maintaining a commitment to delivering high quality programs and services that strengthens Indigenous community wellness, and supports survivors of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and victims of crime.

Information Session

Interested in this position? Join us to learn more about the team, vision, and key priorities. The session will be held on January 14, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Use the following link to access the MS Teams invitation on the day of: Join the meeting now.

What you bring to the team

Leading People and Teams

Team Leadership: Proven experience leading teams with accountability for results and performance.
Coaching and Development: Ability to set direction, coach staff, and foster a culture of trust and inclusion.
Change Leadership: Skilled at guiding teams through change and building resilience in dynamic environments.

Strategic Thinking and Financial Acumen

Policy Influence: Ability to align program priorities with broader government strategies.
Analytical Skills: Skilled at analyzing complex issues and developing forward-looking solutions.
Strategic Renewal: Experience influencing policy and driving strategic renewal across multiple stakeholders.
Budget Oversight: Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts, and funding flows.
Financial Analysis: Ability to interpret financial data and communicate implications effectively.

Relationship Building and Communication

Indigenous Partnerships: Strong ability to build and sustain respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, First Nations, Indigenous and Metis organizations.
Cross-Government Partnerships: Skilled at collaborating with multiple ministries, Indigenous partners and other government stakeholders to align priorities and advance shared objectives.
Clear Communication: Excellent active listening and effective communication skills to clearly and respectfully convey complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

Think this role could be right for you?

We're here to support you every step of the way. These short videos can help you feel confident and prepared:

Navigating Our Hiring Process – Get a clear overview of each stage in our structured hiring process so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Application Preparation Tips – Learn how to showcase your leadership experience in ways that align with how we evaluate applications during the screening stage.

Take a few minutes to explore these resources. They're designed to set you up for success.

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

Manager, Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy Office