We are currently hiring for the role of Early Identification and Support Consultant – Child and Youth Care Practitioner. The successful candidate will provide leadership and consultation related to early identification and will co-develop and co-facilitate professional learning for student support staff in student mental health support. The role includes the co-creation and co-design of evidence-informed resources, professional learning and training opportunities, and facilitation support for a community of practice. The candidate will bring their extensive experience as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner to the design of supports for colleagues in similar roles, with a view to further equipping caring adults with tools for mental health promotion, early identification and identity-affirming student support.
At SMH-ON, we recognize diversity as a source of organizational strength. We welcome applications from those who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing student mental health with clear focus on human rights, and on reducing disproportionality and disparity in outcomes. Those with identities that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized will bring particular assets that are highly valued within the organization, specifically those who identify as Black, Indigenous, 2S/LBGTQIA+, or racialized. Experience working with marginalized and racialized communities is also an asset.
This role includes, but is not limited to:
- Support the development of the 2024-2025 Early Identification and Support Team Action Plan.
- Co-create and implement resources and programming for student support staff across the province to equip them with knowledge, skills and strategies to support a relational, identity-affirming, anti-oppressive and intersectional approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of students.
- Co-develop and facilitate authentic and engaging presentations to enhance confidence and skills of student support staff, through in-person and web modalities. Focus on providing identity responsive supports for students with learning differences, diverse identities, and a range of lived experiences.
- Model and highlight the importance of promoting wellness within the everyday learning environment. Provide tools to advance mental health promotion, mental health literacy and stress management skills among student support staff.
- Help to support a community of practice of Child and Youth Care Practitioners, with a central focus on identifying common issues and concerns, highlighting creativity and innovations and providing space for cross-board sharing.
- Work in collaborative ways with various SMH-ON team members and stakeholders through effective communication and relationship-building skills.
- Attend regular SMH-ON team meetings and provincial/regional meetings as requested.
Qualifications
- Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYC-P), with a recognized degree or advanced three-year diploma in Child and Youth Care from an accredited post-secondary institution or equivalent. Additional coursework or training focused on supporting youth with disabilities (e.g., Autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities) is considered an asset.
- At least three years of experience working within a school board setting in the role of Child and Youth Care Practitioner. Demonstrated system and project management experience needed. Experience working across panels (elementary and secondary) considered an asset.
- Demonstrated history of taking a relational, identity-affirming, anti-oppressive and intersectional approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of students. Familiarity with the SMH-ON Identity-Affirming School Mental Health Frame and related resources. Commitment to decentring whiteness and centring Black and Indigenous perspectives.
- Experience promoting mental health in schools, classrooms or groups and bolstering student mental health literacy and stress management skills. Knowledge about the early identification of mental health concerns and local system pathways for accessing additional support.
- Extensive experience, confidence and comfort in developing and providing professional learning with a range of audience groups. Warm interpersonal presentation style, honouring the expertise and experience of co-leaders being supported with professional knowledge and training.
- Experience creatively co-designing resources. Proven ability to work in collaborative ways with various stakeholders. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong creativity, initiative, organizational and time management skills.
- “Experience supporting or co-facilitating affinity groups” and/or “supporting youth engagement initiatives” are considered an asset.
- Demonstrated commitment to the Ontario Association of Child & Youth Care (OACYC) Code of Ethics.
- Advanced skills and experience in collaborating with others using Microsoft Office 365 and virtual meeting platforms.
Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024
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 by web meeting.
Options for compensation will be discussed with successful consultant candidates.
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 by web meeting.
