We’re Hiring: Communities Addressing Suicide Together [CAST] Coordinator

Aug 8, 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: Communities Addressing Suicide Together (CAST) Coordinator Note: This is a designated/protected position. Only applicants from African Nova Scotian and
Indigenous communities will be considered.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 8, 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION: Based in Cape Breton, the CAST Coordinator will build and nurture relationships, so as to develop and enhance local capacity to address suicide across the province.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply a diversity and inclusion lens to the work.
• Design, develop and facilitate community programs applying principles of adult education.
• Build, nurture and strengthen partnerships within communities.
• Develop project proposals and apply for grants.
• Prepare and track budget while predicting resources needed.
• Plan, prepare and organize virtual and in-person meetings.
• Project management.
• Public relations.
• Measure and evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
• Complete core certifications for the position as required. E.g., safeTALK, ASIST
• Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: CAST provides evidence-based suicide prevention training, education
and resources to Nova Scotia communities. The CAST Program works with Nova Scotians to build
and strengthen their capacity to address suicide at the community level. We recognise that
everyone has the potential to make a difference and can contribute to a community that is safer
from suicide.

The CAST Program considers the broader factors associated with suicide. Programs and services
include suicide prevention/intervention/postvention awareness, education & training, CAST
Coalition development & sustainability, resource sharing and program evaluation.

LOCATION: Based in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

WORKING CONDITIONS: Hours of work are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (37.5
hours/week), with some flexibility as outlined in the Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. This
position requires a combination of working in a home office environment and in community with our
stakeholders. We offer 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 to 60,000 (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.

• Experience related to community mental health and wellness.
• Experience in group facilitation.
• 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.
• Suicide prevention and/or intervention training is considered an asset.
• A criminal record and vulnerable sector check are also required.

PREFERRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• 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
• Collaborative Work Ethic ability to toggle between independent and collaborative work as needed.
• 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)
• Creative Thinker – Ability to think outside the box.
• 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.

Apply via email to: [email protected] by September 8, 2023. We thank you for your interest and please note that only those identified for an interview will be contacted.

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