I. Introduction

Orca Lelum, an Indigenous-led wellness center for youth, is seeking proposals from qualified candidates for the position of Medical Director. Orca Lelum provides a 10-week live-in wellness program and medically supervised withdrawal support. Our center is dedicated to holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally rooted care for Indigenous youth (ages 12-18) who are navigating substance use challenges and healing from trauma.

Our approach is guided by Snuwuyulh (traditional teachings), the 4 posts of the longhouse (mind, body, spirit, and heart), and the Canoe Model, which emphasizes unity, resilience, and collaborative healing.

II. Scope of Work & Deliverables

The Medical Director will report to the Clinical Lead and be responsible for the following key deliverables:

Program Development & Clinical Leadership
Serve as the Medical Director for Orca Lelum, providing leadership in program development and planning activities. This includes participation in working groups and contributing to the completion of clinical program development focused on Indigenous youth.
Oversight and Mentorship of Clinical Staff
Provide ongoing oversight and mentorship to the clinical staff, ensuring that all team members are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care in alignment with Orca Lelum’s values and goals.
Medical Review, Approval, and Consultation
Review, approve, and provide consultation on the following clinical areas:
a) Assess youth acuity levels and determine the capacity of staff to manage the needs of individual youth.b) Ensure standing orders are in place that allow team members to function at their full capacity.c) Review and approve prescribed medications outside of standing orders.d) Ensure that youth assessments meet established standards for care.e) Review and approve intake and discharge procedures.f) Provide oversight and recommendations on withdrawal protocols and care planning practices.g) Oversee the management of ongoing or new medical conditions in clients.h) Approve and oversee medical procedures and interventions as necessary.i) Ensure diagnostic tests and orders are appropriate and necessary.j) Assist in prioritizing program entry for waitlisted clients based on acuity and available staff resources.k) Collaborate with specialists as needed to evaluate medical histories, current health statuses, comorbidities, developmental and behavioral factors, and the resources needed for adequate support.l) Liaise with family physicians to ensure continuity of care and discharge planning.
Program Evaluation & Quality Assurance
Participate in the ongoing evaluation of the efficiency, quality, and delivery of services at Orca Lelum. This includes participation in medical audits, peer reviews, interdisciplinary reviews, chart reviews, and incident report reviews to ensure continuous improvement of care delivery.
Ensuring Qualified Oversight in Absence
Ensure that sufficient and qualified medical oversight is in place when the Medical Director is unavailable to provide or oversee medical services at Orca Lelum, maintaining continuity of care and supervision.
Adherence to Culturally Informed and Evidence-Based Practices
Ensure that all clinical practices adhere to evidence-based guidelines, cultural sensitivity, and regulatory requirements. This includes safeguarding patient safety, promoting Indigenous health practices, and optimizing health outcomes for youth at Orca Lelum.III. Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications:

A licensed Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with current registration to practice in British Columbia.
Significant experience in a leadership role, particularly in medical or clinical program development, ideally in Indigenous healthcare or youth wellness programs.
Knowledge and experience in addiction treatment, mental health, and medical care for youth, especially in an Indigenous context.
Strong background in providing medical oversight, mentorship, and collaboration with clinical teams.
Experience in medical audits, peer reviews, and quality improvement processes.
Knowledge of culturally competent and evidence-based clinical practices, with preference given to candidates with experience in Indigenous communities or cultural practices related to healthcare.

IV. Proposal Requirements

A brief professional background and relevant experience
A statement of interest in working with Indigenous youth in substance use treatment
Details of availability and preferred service delivery model (e.g., in-person, virtual, hybrid)
Contact information for two professional references

V. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically to Nikita D’Souza at careers@orcalelum.ca

We look forward to reviewing your proposal and potentially working together to provide transformative care and wellness services to youth at Orca Lelum.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the healing and wellness of Indigenous youth.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Pay: $200.00-$250.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2026-04-10

Expected start date: 2026-05-04

Orca Lelum

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