We’re Hiring: Program Assistant | MPower Pilot

Jun 29, 2023

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

JOB POSTING: Program Assistant | MPower Pilot | Summer Student Placement | Contract length: 8 weeks

DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 7, 2023 *** DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 12, 2021

JOB DESCRIPTION: The M-Power Program Assistant will work under the direction of the M-Power
Program Manager and CMHA NS Executive Director to develop the program in SW Nova and Cape
Breton. In collaboration with community partners, responsibilities would include, but not be limited
to the following:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build a database of community-based partner organizations and key contacts within the region
• that fit the parameters of our programming needs including existing and emerging programming
• for social emotional learning, mental health literacy as well as programs designed to build
• community capacity.
• Build a communications plan to deepen relationships with these community stakeholders.
• Promote and implement programs as required.
• Work with Communications LEAD to create social media and update website as required.
• Assist with the organizational details and preparation for meetings or workshops.
• Attend to specific requests of facilitators and/or participants.
• Collect data and prepare reports as required.
• 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. [One from each]

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a term position, with flexible working hours (as approved by Manager) 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 well-being 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: $23.50 per hour

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.]

• Understanding of the mental health system in Nova Scotia. Lived experience with mental illness
• is considered an asset.
• Understanding of the role of NGOs, community-based organizations, interest groups and
• government.
• Attention to detail.
• Experience with building a data base.
• Proficiency with MS Office
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Organized with strong time-management skills.
• Relevant experience working/volunteering with Indigenous communities, Acadian communities,
• African Nova Scotians, newcomers, and those living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+
• 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
• 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)
  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,
  working knowledge of online survey platforms, proficiency in English – both speaking and writing, proficiency using Microsoft applications, and Zoom. Ability to work in additional languages in community would be considered an asset.

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 Friday, July 7, 2023. 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