We’re Hiring: Program Manager | MPower Pilot

May 29, 2023

The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division is looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to join our growing team.

JOB POSTING: Program Manager | MPower Pilot | Full-time, Fixed term contract | Contract length: 12 months

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 4, 2023 | START DATE: June 12, 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION: The M-Power Program Manager oversees and works to support the program goals, initiatives and workplan of this 13-month pilot project. Their role is to plan, implement and manage a work plan that will ensure the success of this important project.

They will work closely with both the Executive Director, Education Lead, CMHA staff and project partners to develop this program in SW Nova and Cape Breton. In collaboration with community partners, responsibilities would include, but not be limited to the following:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, shape, inform and implement M-Power work plan and supporting activities with a focus on building a sustainable long-term project that can be replicated throughout rural Nova Scotia.
• Build, nurture and strengthen partnerships between the formal and informal sectors in the area of mental health in SW Nova and Cape Breton region.
• Along with community partners, determine and define project scope, timeline and objectives. Develop and manage a detailed project work plan
• Prepare and track budget while predicting resources needed
• Act as primary project liaison to project partners and contractors
• Lead bi-weekly steering committee meetings
• Support project partners and stakeholders
• Identify project risks and opportunities, and develop responsive strategies
• Measure project progress and evaluation to identify areas for improvement
• Identify and manage project team
• Plan, prepare and organize virtual and in-person meetings
• Plan and coordinate community conversations and engagement sessions
• Set and continually manage project expectations with team members and other stakeholders
• Apply a diversity and inclusion lens with cultural humility to the work
• Develop scope of work for summer students and assist with creation of a job description, job posting, recruiting and onboarding.
• Other duties as assigned

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The purpose of the pilot program, M-Power: Building Community Capacity in Rural Nova Scotia, is to build, nurture and strengthen partnerships between the formal and informal sectors in the area of mental health.

We will do this first through understanding and getting grounded in the narrative of each community as well as the communities within those communities. Through facilitated community listening sessions, we will appreciate their uniqueness through dominant stories, trends, and pressures as well as listening to and understanding from the breadth of voices that create the social fabric of each region.

We will also seek to understand what peer networks already exist. The information will then be mobilized through the design of a course that will include ‘Train the Trainer (T4T)’ module focused on mentoring and skill transfer.

This tailored approach will allow us to increase and amplify the existing knowledge, skills, and involvement of community members in supporting their peers and addressing the health needs of their communities. The format will also allow us to innovate programs with a decolonised lens that will be intentional about giving voice to those who have been traditionally underserved, under heard and underrepresented.

LOCATION: Based in Cape Breton or Southwest Nova Scotia.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a term position, working from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week). This position requires a combination of working in a home office environment and in community, with our community stakeholders. We offer a flexible work environment and a workplace culture committed to personal wellbeing and psychological safety.

A valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required. Reimbursement will be paid at a per/kilometre rate.

EQUIPMENT: The employer will provide necessary office equipment as outlined in the Working from Home policy for the employee’s use while employed with CMHA NS. The employee is required to have reliable high-speed internet.

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience. Range: Level II $55,000-$65,000 (fair market value within the sector)

QUALIFICATIONS:

[No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.]

• Undergraduate and/or master’s degree in Education and/or Social Sciences (Sociology, Education, Business) or Sciences (Psychology, Public Health, Health Promotion, Nursing) or equivalent combination of demonstrated multi-sectoral, cross- jurisdictional project management experience (education and skill).
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management certificate or equivalent preferred
• Experience in group facilitation including facilitating
• Experience in management positions supervising and leading staff
• Experience working with NGOs, community-based organizations, interest groups and government
• Relevant experience working/volunteering with Indigenous communities, Acadian communities, African Nova Scotians, newcomers, and those living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+
• Familiarity with the mental health system in Nova Scotia. Lived experience with mental illness is considered an asset
• A criminal record and vulnerable sector check are also required.

PREFERRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Project Management – proven ability to design and manage projects according to scope, budget, and timeline
• Problem Solver – Ability to solve problems creatively
• Community Builder – Ability to strategize and plan outreach to garner community engagement
• Analytical Thinker – Excellent analytical and evaluation skills
• Curriculum Builder – Familiarity with curriculum development and knowledge translation. Awareness of education and adult learning principles
• Positive Attitude – Positive attitude with a passion for managing projects to conclusion and on time
• Strong Communicator – Strong interpersonal and communication skills (virtual, in person, print)
• Program Evaluator – Appreciation and knowledge of program evaluation principles and processes
• Additional competencies – Attention to detail, concrete organization skills, flexibility, initiative self-management, ability to adapt to work from home environment
• Additional skills – Active Nova Scotia Driver’s License and willingness to travel as required, demonstrated expertise with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices, working knowledge of online survey platforms, proficiency in English – both speaking and writing, proficiency using Microsoft applications, and Zoom.

ABOUT CMHA NS: Founded in 1908, CMHA NS is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in 36 communities across the province, CMHA NS provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Nova Scotians to flourish and thrive. Today, the importance of our mental health advocacy work in combination with new energy and direction of our organization makes CMHA-NS a dynamic employer of choice.

OUR CULTURE: We nurture a culture grounded in curiosity, learning and building trust-based relationships. We are committed to advancing our JEDDI work (Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion) at the individual, organizational and community level. Our team values are – Compassion, Connection, Authenticity, Hope and Growth. We embed these values in the work we do in community every day.

Does this sound like it is for you? If you are interested in applying for the role, please submit a PDF copy of your resume along with a cover letter stating why this is the position for you by June 4, 2023.

Apply via email to: [email protected].

We thank you for your interest and please note that only those identified for an interview will be contacted.

CMHA NS is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from Black, racialized and Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume and to share your pronouns. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.