Part-time contract position to August 31, 2024 with extension contingent on funding.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) works together with Ontario school districts to support student mental health. As a provincial implementation support team, SMH-ON provides leadership, resources, implementation coaching and a community of practice in order to promote the uptake, scaling, and sustainability of evidence-based, implementation-sensitive, culturally-responsive, identity-affirming practices in school mental health. SMH-ON serves the 72 English and French school boards in Ontario, remote school authorities, and provincial demonstration schools. The team works alongside the Ministry of Education and has a role within the wider system of care, linking with partner ministries and organizations to advance child and youth mental health.

We are currently hiring for the role of Bilingual (FR & EN) Parent Peer Consultant – Mental Health Literacy & Engagement. The successful candidate will provide input and support on a province-wide, multi-partner project Strengthening Mental Health Literacy for Parents/Guardians of Ontario K-12 Students. This project aims to build parent/caregiver knowledge and skills related to mental health wellness and promotion, early identification and effective help-seeking for mental health problems in children and youth. The successful candidate will support the development and delivery of a French and English language consultation approach that will draw on parent/caregiver insights to co-create culturally responsive resources. They will assist with collating, co-designing and co-creating a suite of modifiable materials with and for school mental health professionals and parents/caregivers.

At SMH-ON, we recognize diversity as a source of organizational strength. We are actively seeking applications from individuals who demonstrate a commitment to advancing student mental health with a clear focus on human rights, and on reducing disproportionality and disparity in outcomes. Those with identities that have been historically/presently disadvantaged and marginalized will bring particular assets that are highly valued within the team.

This role includes, but is not limited to:

1. Contribute your insights and experiences as a parent/caregiver to help inform the development of a suite of materials for school mental health professionals and parents/caregivers.
2. Support the development and delivery of French and English language consultations with parents/caregivers to gather guidance related to needed information and learning preferences.
3. Participate in the development of evidence-informed, culturally responsive resources for school mental health professionals and parents/caregivers focused on mental health promotion, prevention and response across school and home.
4. Liaise with Student & Parent/Caregiver Engagement team members to promote parent/caregiver lived experience perspectives.
5. Support the development of a communication strategy for the parent/caregiver audience and co-create digital content for the website, blog posts, social media channels etc.
6. Attend Parent Caregiver Collaboration Group meetings and support co-facilitation as needed.
7. Attend regular project team meetings.

Qualifications:  

1. Parent/caregiver with a child currently registered in a publicly funded school in Ontario.
2. Understanding of school mental health and the promise of wellness promotion, prevention and early intervention with children and youth.
3. Basic knowledge of mental health and the mental health system in Ontario.
4. Lived experience as a parent/caregiver supporting your child with mental health and/or substance use problems is considered an asset.
5. Experience in an advisory capacity as a parent/caregiver within the Ontario school system or Ontario children’s mental health system is a strong asset (for example, member of board Parent Involvement Committee, member of school council, advisory council or board member within children’s mental health system).
6. Bilingualism in English and French is required for this role.
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work with parents/caregivers from racialized, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender-diverse communities.
8. Experience with leading presentations and group facilitation.
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (including Word, PowerPoint), familiar with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, MS Teams).
10. Ability to work in an efficient manner independently and as part of a larger team.
11. A clear mandatory vulnerable sector check must be presented prior to hiring.

Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on May 9, 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.