Community Wellness Coordinator

**Community Wellness Coordinator (21 hrs/week)**
**CMHA NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER**
- Our vision: Mentally healthy people in a healthy society_

**Position Summary**

The Community Wellness Coordinator will support peer-driven wellness programs in 5 First Nations communities in the South Coast region of BC. First Nations Health Authority, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and CMHA partnered to pilot a peer support initiative as a prevention-focused response to the ongoing overdose crisis.

The Community Wellness Coordinator acts as a leader and member of a community-based integrated team, using knowledge gained from the lived experience of mental health and substance use (MHSU) to support communities to achieve wellness. This role is responsible for coordination of training, networking and knowledge sharing opportunities for community-based peer leaders, and for supporting program development in each participating community.

**As Community Wellness Coordinator you will**:

- Liaise with key initiatives such as the Vancouver Coastal Region Virtual Mental Wellness & Substance Use (MWSU) as required, regarding support to communities in the sub-region to establish, facilitate and provide individual peer support and harm reduction information.
- Consult, collaborate, and build partnerships with First Nations MWSU team members for the coordination and integration of Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) peer support services.
- Support First Nations communities in the sub-region to establish group and one-to-one peer support meetings, to plan and deliver information sessions, to develop relationships based on respect and to assist clients and their support network with locating appropriate health, social and legal services and resources.
- Support First Nations communities to develop capacity to provide advocacy to clients, organize venues and materials for support sessions.
- Share experience working with vulnerable populations and ensure the program is developed from a lived experience perspective.
- Support First Nations communities in the recruitment and orientation of the Peer Support Workers / volunteer Facilitators in each community. Support the selection process in each community where asked.
- Develop a repository of resources to help nations and Health Directors establish policies and procedures that allow Peer Support Workers to thrive and be well
- Facilitate peer-based mentoring and guidance to support Peer Support Workers in their exploration of skill-building, growth, empowerment, and community development
- Engage in on-going evaluation and quality improvement initiatives related to peer support service delivery to ensure quality, effective client-centered practices.
- Participate in professional development and revision of standards to improve service delivery through the revision of current, or development of new practices and program initiatives.
- Engage in CMHA-led or community-led development of long term career opportunities for Peer Support Workers.
- Provide education and support change management within communities and at CMHA to build knowledge and capacity regarding culturally appropriate peer support services, including but not limited to staff in-services, community education sessions, and committee/network involvement.
- LEAD Sub-regional Peer Support Steering Committee team meetings to provide input, present relevant material, act as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the program and promote optimal support for clients.
- Support communities with conflict resolution related to peer support services within complex political landscapes.
- Track relevant participation data and prepare or contribute to reporting as required.
- Monitor program budget.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

**What you’ll bring**:

- A diploma or degree in mental health & addictions or community social services, or related experience.
- Experience working with a range of First Nations populations with living with mental health or substance use challenges.
- Previous project/program coordination experience.
- An understanding of peer support and the value of peer-led programming (completion of peer support training preferred).
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills of advocacy, empowerment, and mental health recovery principles.
- Experience supervising volunteers.
- Computer skills - Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook Calendar, and Zoom.
- Current Level 1 First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to complete it).
- Mental Health First Aid (or willingness to complete it).
- Criminal Record clearance will be required.
- Valid B.C. driver’s license and use of a reliable vehicle during working hours.
- Knowledge and skills of advocacy, empowerment, and mental health recovery principles.
- Valuesand recognizesdiversity among First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities including differently abled and LGBTQ2S populations.

**You can**:

- Remain flexible, calm and positive in a changing environment.