Mental Health Program Specialist

**Métis Nation British Columbia**:
**Mental Health Program Specialist**:
**#**23-034**

**Ministry of Mental Health & Harm Reduction**

**Position**:Permanent Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
**Location**:Remote
**Closes**:Posting will remain open until filled and will close without notice
**Classification**:Coordinator 2
**Salary Range**: $63,000 -$75,000 annually

**ABOUT MÉTIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA**:
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Through teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism, MNBC strives to build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent rights for our Métis citizens, assisting in the delivery of services based on policy, process, and specified regulations.

**MNBC’s **_KAA-WIICHIHITOYAAHK _**(We take care of each other) Initiatives offers employees a competitive total compensation package including**:

- comprehensive group benefit package or health-care spending account and enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan
- 15 paid days per year for statutory and
- cultural days (Indigenous Peoples Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day, & Louis Riel Day)
- carpool, parking & public transit subsidies (Provincial Office only)
- educational spending account and professional development allowances to provide annual funding to continue lifelong learning and skills upgrade.
- remote workplace supports.
- internal advancement & redeployment opportunities

**ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY**
We are seeking a highly motivated, team-orientated individual to join our Ministry of Mental Health and Harm Reduction team as the **Mental Health Program Specialist. **Reporting to the Director of Mental Health and Harm Reduction, the primary purpose of the Program Specialist is to assist in the development, knowledge gathering, community-based research, and rollout of mental health initiatives and programs for Métis communities in BC - with a particular focus on community-based research, life promotion, and framework development.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Support the engagement of Métis Chartered Communities in community-based research and knowledge gathering to support in the planning of life promotion and mental wellness initiatives.
- Engage with and hold space for Métis individuals to take part in safe, Métis-led conversations on mental wellness.
- Co-lead the Métis mental wellness framework development.
- Source funding for projects through provincial and federal grants.
- Develop and produce reports reflective of program efficacy, Métis ways of knowing, and community knowledge/experiences.
- Network and maintain an effective working relationship with Métis Chartered Communities to plan consultations and engagements, help coordinate programming, build proposals, and reports.
- Foster a practice of cooperative effort and collaborative problem-solving around issues relating to improving the substance use and wellness of Métis people.
- Support the Director of Mental Health and Harm Reduction in working with multiple stakeholders of the Governments of Canada and BC to build relationships and to advocate for Métis in BC through various committees, working groups, and advisory council meetings.
- Support the adaptation work of existing suicide prevention and mental wellness programming and resources to be more culturally-safe and appropriate for Métis people.
- Carry out literature reviews, environmental scans, and best practices reviews of programs to support Métis mental wellness.
- Engage in knowledge gathering practices (such as leading sharing circles, focus groups, conducting interviews, etc.).
- Prepare briefing notes, summaries, evidence reports, and PowerPoint presentations
- Carry out various administrative tasks, as assigned.
- Ability to travel, as this may be required to engage Métis Chartered Communities and to attend stakeholder meetings.
- Work effectively in a small team to support a broad portfolio and large projects.
- Carry out various administrative tasks as assigned.

**THE IDEAL CANDIDATE**
- Knowledge and/or awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Métis people in B.C.
- Degree in Health, Education, Social Services, or related field
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a mental health, harm reduction, education, social services, or related setting.
- Experience with community-based research.
- Experience with program and grant management an asset.
- Knowledge of Métis mental wellness.
- Combination of relevant experience, education, and training will be considered.
- Prior experience working or volunteering for an Aboriginal organization/program that includes interacting and developing relationships with Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a small team to oversee a broad portfolio and lar