Description
Open until a suitable candidate is hired.
Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the education needs of approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.
EIPS is recruiting a Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) Wellness Coach with our Support for Students department (SFS). This position is located primarily at St. Martin’s Catholic School in Vegreville, AB for the school year and will be providing summer programming in the community for July and August.
The Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) in Schools Initiative works to promote positive mental health in children, youth, and families and support individuals in the community who interact with children and youth. The MHCB initiative is based on research and best practice literature that demonstrates that mental and emotional well-being can be developed, nurtured and supported through promotion and prevention efforts.
The MHCB initiative is aligned with Alberta Health Services provincial strategies which emphasize promotion and prevention along with early identification and intervention. Elk Island Public Schools is the banker board and employer for the MHCB Program in Vegreville, serving all of the schools in Vegreville, as part of Elk Island Public and Elk Island Catholic School Divisions.
Commencing July 2, 2024
Ending May 30, 2025
21 hours per week (7 hours/day, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Open to internal and external applicants
EIPS offers a comprehensive benefits package for Term Certain employees
Job Summary
The MHCB Wellness Coach reports to the MHCB Program Manager and provides addiction and mental health promotion and prevention to children, youth and families. Working as part of a team, this position delivers developmentally appropriate, evidence-based programming that meets the objectives of the MHCB initiative. Delivery of programming involves large and small group work in schools and community settings and focuses on increasing knowledge, building skills and fostering abilities that enable others to better their own mental health and wellness.
This position also works with school staff, parents and community members (who work closely with children and youth) to increase their knowledge, skills and competence related to mental health and illness issues.
Wellness Coaches work as part of a team to recognize, understand and adapt to the changing needs of their community related to mental health and wellness. They build and maintain strong relationships with children, youth and families, and act as “go-to” mental health subject matter experts for students, staff, parents and community partners.
The MHCB Wellness Coach also helps to identify and facilitate access for individuals who need referral to specialized addiction and mental health services. The success coach is responsible for ensuring all their documentation complies with HIA (Health Information Act) and FOIPP and ensures compliance with all relevant AHS policies. They also assist with evaluation activities and survey data collection as required by AHS.
This position requires someone who has been formally educated in the health or social sciences field (such as health promotion & prevention, social work, nursing, early childhood development, public health, psychology) and who is knowledgeable about addiction and mental health services.
Qualifications & Work Experience
The ideal candidate will have:
A related post-secondary degree or diploma in social sciences, or relevant courses and experience
At least 2 years working experience in addiction and mental health or health/human services-related role preferred (experience as a practicum student considered)
Knowledge of addiction and mental health is required
Familiar with the developmental, educational, emotional, social and recreational needs of children, youth and families
Experience with delivering programming and comfortable with public speaking
Strong relationship building skills
Effective time management skills
Takes initiative and is able to work independently as well as in teams
Skill and knowledge of facilitation, positive communication and creative thinking
Solid comprehension and practice of personal and professional boundaries
Ability to develop supportive relationships with young people
Able to advocate for and enable others
Creative problem-solving and decision-making skills
Comfortable liaising with community members, school staff, community agencies and healthcare providers
Community collaboration/networking skills
Has an understanding of the community’s economic, cultural and political environment
Knowledge of the local community and resources available
Capable of maintaining program statistics for purposes of evaluation and assisting in evaluating the effectiveness of programs
Resilience and a commitment to personal development
Skilled in Microsoft Office programs and working knowledge of social media
All employees must provide a criminal record check
All professions must provide proof of licensure or registration with the approved Alberta regulatory college, before commencing duties where applicable:
Regulated health professions under the Alberta Health Professions Act and Health Disciplines Act must show an original copy of a valid practice permit before commencing their duties.
Other professions governed by government acts, college or regulatory body requirements may require additional documentation.
For more information, please contact Larissa Regnier, MHCB Program Lead at 780-913-8507 or larissa.regnier@eips.ca.
Only online applications will be accepted.
Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.
If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email info@applytoeducation.com.
