Contract position to August 31, 2025, 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 seeking a Student Outreach Consultant to join the Student and Parent/Caregiver Engagement Team at School Mental Health Ontario. This new role will lead the development of student-facing communications, expand outreach initiatives, and facilitate and support provincial student groups. The Consultant will also support student programming, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, informing student consultation planning, to ensure student perspectives are central to all activities.

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

Role includes, but is not limited to:

1. The Consultant will enhance the student engagement network, focusing on connecting students to provincial resources, particularly in Northern and rural communities. They will use communication platforms to highlight student engagement in mental health and addictions and build relationships with groups like OSTA-AECO and FESFO.
2. The Consultant will collaborate with the SMH-ON communications team to develop and manage student-facing communications, including emails, social media, blogs, and more. They will ensure consistent, engaging messaging aligned with SMH-ON’s goals and maintain a content calendar. Feedback from students will inform improvements, and KPIs will measure the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
3. Working with provincial student reference groups, the Consultant will create supportive environments for student contributions. They will support students in developing their projects and assist in planning and facilitating group discussions, including consultations and focus groups, ensuring student voices are central to decision-making.
4. The Consultant will support projects focused on mental health literacy and addictions prevention literacy. They will act as a liaison between SMH-ON and relevant project teams, ensuring diverse student perspectives are prioritized.
5. Support the work of the Student and Parent Caregiver Engagement Team. Attend regular SMH-ON team meetings. Provide updates on student engagement progress, contribute to strategic planning, offer insights to help develop SMH-ON’s student engagement strategy for 2025-2028.

Qualifications:

1. Completion of undergraduate degree in a health-related field such as psychology, health sciences, social work, or other related field. A graduate level degree is an asset.  
2. Strong understanding of mental health promotion and addictions prevention.
3. Demonstrated experience in developing and managing youth-focused communications and engagement initiatives within educational settings is an asset.
4. Demonstrated commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, anti-racism, respect and social justice. Experience in serving racialized communities and those with identities that have been historically/are presently disadvantaged and marginalized is considered an asset.
5. Proven experience in working directly with young people, including facilitating discussions and supporting youth-led projects.
6. Excellent project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively. A strong understanding of stakeholder engagement practices and tools are assets.
7. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse student groups and stakeholders and translate and mobilize information to diverse audiences. Demonstrated capacity to work well within a virtual team environment.
8. Proficient computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft 365, social media platforms (e.g., Instagram), and virtual meeting methods and facilitation tools. Experience using client management systems or mailing list software applications or the ability to learn new programs quickly are considered assets.
9. Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset.

Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on November 1, 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.