School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) works together with Ontario school districts to support student mental health. As a provincial implementation support team, SMH-ON provides leadership, resources, implementation coaching and a community of practice in order to promote the uptake, scaling, and sustainability of evidence-based, implementation-sensitive, culturally responsive, identity-affirming practices in school mental health. SMH-ON serves the 72 English and French school boards in Ontario, remote school authorities, and provincial demonstration schools. The team works alongside the Ministry of Education and has a role within the wider system of care, linking with partner ministries and organizations to advance child and youth mental health.
We are currently hiring for the role of Mental Health System Collaboration Consultant – Area Lead. The successful candidate will provide leadership and coordination for the System Collaboration Team, with a core focus on partnership across sectors, organizations, communities, and disciplines to enhance the system of care for children, youth, and families. The role also involves leadership of several large-scale collaborative initiatives with provincial and national partners, including projects designed to support Indigenous student mental health, newcomer student mental health, northern supports, and school-based suicide prevention/life promotion. At this time, we are seeking an experienced, equity-minded school mental health professional who has demonstrated proficiency in system leadership for this role.
At SMH-ON, we recognize diversity as a source of organizational strength. We are actively seeking applications from those who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing student mental health with a clear focus on human rights, and on reducing disproportionality and disparity in outcomes. Those with experience in serving racialized communities, and those with identities that have been historically/presently disadvantaged and marginalized, will bring particular assets that are highly valued within the team.
This role includes, but is not limited to:
- Oversee the work of the System Collaboration team, co-creating a work plan that amplifies partnerships and integrates work across related projects. Support individual portfolio leads to optimize project outcomes for students served.
- Provide strategic leadership and coordination related to the implementation of Right Time, Right Care within Ontario school boards.
- Contribute to the work of the provincial cross-sectoral steering committee as resources and tools are developed to support local implementation.
- Work alongside other SMH-ON team members to consolidate the school mental health support and service model with the Right Time, Right Care vision.
- Provide workshops on Right Time, Right Care implementation at provincial and community meetings.Lead school board-community Right Time, Right Care specialty coaching efforts, alongside SMH-ON coaches, and cross-sectoral partner coaches.
- Prepare reports for ministry partners on the progress of Right Time, Right Care implementation, as requested.
- Ensure successful completion of existing projects undertaken with partner organizations, helping portfolio leads with co-design and development work, navigating barriers, and ensuring high quality collaborative products from these initiatives. This includes engaging in efficient project management approaches, thorough review of draft resources, and strong attention to inclusive processes.
- Tend relationships with partners across sectors, disciplines, communities, organizations, culture/faith groups, etc. in the interest of advancing child and youth mental health together. Participate in cross-ministry and cross-organization tables, bringing the perspective and role of school mental health practice (with a focus on school-based mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention).
- Work with colleagues across SMH-ON to continue to advance work on Indigenous student mental health, further expanding the work of the Indigenous School Mental Health Project with First Peoples Wellness Circle and amplifying the work in the Life Promotion Toolkit from the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.
- Work with colleagues across SMH-ON to build on foundational work in newcomer mental health to further develop supports and resources for school mental health professionals and student support staff. Draw on initiatives to amplify student voice to inform work in this area.
- Work with colleagues across SMH-ON to continue to develop resources and supports to meet the unique and significant mental health needs of students in northern school boards. Consider the full continuum of supports, emphasizing the importance of wellness promotion as well as the need for responsive urgent care.
- Work with colleagues across SMH-ON and partner organizations to continue to advance best practices in suicide prevention, risk assessment and management, and postvention. Contribute to cross-sectoral initiatives at the provincial and national level to build greater cohesion in response in this area.
- Help to seek out, prioritize and amplify the work of partner organizations that bring specialized knowledge and expertise to identity affirming school mental health practice. Grow relationships with partners that are mutually beneficial.
- Work alongside other Area Leads to ensure coherence and coordination across SMH-ON, in keeping with the strategy and action plan. Promote the use of the Identity Affirming School Mental Health Frame and seek to amplify student and parent/caregiver voice in system collaboration initiatives.
Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on November 10, 2023.
Please apply to: hr@smho-smso.ca (Include the position title you are applying for in the subject line of your email).
Applicants are thanked in advance for their interest; however, only those who have been short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Accommodation for applicants is available in the recruitment process. All interviews will be held virtually.
Qualifications:
- Regulated mental health professional in good standing with an Ontario professional college (e.g., CPO, OCSWSSW, CRPO), registered to practice with children, youth and families, with a minimum of Masters-level education in social work, psychology, or other health/social service discipline. A Superintendent of Education with considerable experience and expertise related to school mental health would also be considered for this role.
- At least five years of experience working within a school board setting in the role of school mental health professional in a management capacity, with substantial demonstrated system and project management experience.
- Evidence of effective consultation, coaching and facilitation skills. Proficient use of systems thinking and organizational change management techniques. Demonstrated understanding of implementation science, and its application to school mental health.
- Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, anti-racism, respect and social justice. Experience in serving racialized communities, and those with identities that have been historically/presently disadvantaged and marginalized is considered an asset. Commitment to evidence-informed, identity-affirming, culturally responsive, and youth-engaged approaches to clinical service in schools.
- Strong subject matter expertise related to collaboration and a system of care approach in child and youth mental health and school mental health. This includes fluency with related research and practice considerations, and good understanding of priority areas within this broad area of work.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience writing for broad audiences (e.g., educators, school/system leaders, trustees, parents/caregivers, students, as well as policy and research audiences). Comfort reviewing and editing others’ work.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently. Demonstrated experience working with colleagues in a team environment. Proven ability to work in collaborative ways with community partners and various stakeholders. Excellent relationship-building skills.
- Skilled in Microsoft office suite, as well as the ability to learn new programs quickly and comfort and ability with a range of web-based virtual meeting programs.
- Access to a vehicle and ability to travel to in-person meetings (as needed).
- Bilingualism an asset (English/French).
Please apply to: hr@smho-smso.ca (Include the position title you are applying for in the subject line of your email).
Applicants are thanked in advance for their interest; however, only those who have been short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Accommodation for applicants is available in the recruitment process. All interviews will be held virtually.
