As a Manager in Health Care and Social Services with the Department of National Defence, you will lead teams that deliver essential health care and social support services to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the delivery of programs and services while ensuring quality standards, budgetary compliance, and organizational objectives are met. Your leadership will directly impact the health and well-being of those we serve across Canada and internationally.
In this role, you will supervise professional and support staff, manage operational budgets, coordinate with other departments and agencies, and ensure compliance with health care regulations and Treasury Board policies. You may oversee clinics, rehabilitation programs, mental health services, family support services, or other health and social service operations depending on your assignment. You will develop strategies to improve service delivery, implement best practices, and mentor your team members in their professional development.
You will work in a dynamic, mission-focused environment where your decisions contribute to the operational readiness and overall wellness of the Canadian Armed Forces. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of service members and their families while working within a structured, professional health care setting.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general health care and social services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general health care and social services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in health care administration, public administration, nursing, social work, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in health administration, business administration (MBA), or public health. You should have professional credentials relevant to health care or social services, such as a nursing license (RN, LPN, NP), registered social worker (RSW) designation, or other regulated health profession credentials.
You will be required to obtain or maintain security clearance, which may require a reliability or secret-level clearance depending on your assignment. Professional development is ongoing and includes training in DND policies, Treasury Board directives, conflict resolution, and leadership excellence. The Government of Canada offers tuition support and professional development programs to help you advance your expertise in health care management, evidence-based practice, and strategic planning. Participation in departmental leadership development programs and external certifications (such as project management or change management) is encouraged throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). To be considered, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the education and experience requirements outlined in the competition notice.
If you are already a member of the Public Service in another department or agency, you may apply as an internal candidate, which can provide a competitive advantage. DND may also conduct recruitment pools to maintain a roster of qualified candidates for multiple positions across the country. Lateral moves from other health care or management roles within the federal government are common, as your experience and credentials transfer well across departments.
For those early in their careers, some positions may accept candidates with fewer years of management experience if they demonstrate strong potential and relevant professional qualifications. Temporary or term positions are sometimes available and can serve as a pathway to permanent employment. We encourage you to regularly check job postings and create a profile on the Government of Canada Jobs website to receive notifications of relevant opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and your specific work location. Many health care management positions in DND can accommodate flexible hours or compressed work weeks to balance operational needs with work-life balance. Remote work is increasingly available for certain administrative and planning duties, though positions involving direct team supervision or on-site facility management may require regular in-person presence.
Job-sharing arrangements have been successfully implemented in some management positions, allowing two qualified candidates to share one full-time role. To explore flexible work options, discuss your needs with the hiring manager or your supervisor before or shortly after starting your position. Arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis and must align with operational requirements and Treasury Board policy. Part-time career development and promotion opportunities are available for those working on a part-time or flexible basis, ensuring your career progression is not limited by your work schedule.
