Community Development Worker - Mental Health

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) mission is to enhance, strengthen and stabilize our community by identifying gaps, assets and needs, connecting people and systems, developing and strengthening community partnerships through preventative and early-intervention based programming.

The Community Development Worker - Mental Health position will enhance mental health and well-being among all community demographics, improve access to intervention and treatment, strengthen community capacity to develop and implement evidence-based interventions and programs that reduce the risk of suicide with the goal of increasing help-seeking behaviours, reducing stigma and promoting overall mental health. 

They will also identify helpers in our community whom others naturally turn to for support and offer them training to enhance their skills and strengthen their natural abilities.  Helpers are from all walks of life and possess characteristics like empathy, care, and compassion. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about community and making a difference in the mental health of our residents.  You are a self-starter and an experienced facilitator with the ability to plan, deliver and evaluate programs.  By building and maintaining professional relationships with local and regional service providers, you will enhance individual and community capacity for mental health through an assets-based approach.  

Please note: This position works 35 hours/week; it is a grant funded position until March 2027. 

If you want to make a difference in our community and have at least 2 years of experience with program development in a social services environment, we welcome your application for the Community Development Worker - Mental Health.  

Why should you consider working for us?
Our employees enjoy many perks including competitive public sector pay, professional learning and development opportunities and the opportunity to work with other talented municipal professionals. 

As an organization, the Town of Cochrane has a focus on investing in people. This is not a boring municipality.  We are growing into an organization with a focus on transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, reflection and innovation.  We support experimentation as part of the growth process and strive for continuous improvement.  We are municipal employees and we are accountable to all the residents of Cochrane.  Want to be a part of this exciting time?

What are some of the responsibilities of the Community Development Worker - Mental Health?

• Recognize and understand the implications of emerging mental health issues which may have broader significance; and work with FCSS, the FRN and community organizations to develop solutions.
• Initiate processes to engage participants in develop strategies that address community need.
• Support community organizations through consultation and guidance in development, delivery and evaluation of programs, events and services.
• Engage local stakeholders, community service providers and businesses to partner and/or participate in the delivery of Community Helpers training by sharing information about local resources, assisting with connecting helpers to mental health supports and with promotion of mental health.
• Organize and deliver the Community Helpers program for youth, young adults and adults who support youth.
• Monitor, evaluate and report the effectiveness of programs and services as required by AHS, FCSS and other funders.
• Respond to general requests by individuals, groups, agencies, media, and others for information, referral, presentations, facilitation, general guidance or input.
• Attend various relevant internal and community committees, coalitions and working groups. Participate in the monthly provincial Community Helpers Program network meetings.
• Develop resource guides, educational materials and/or toolkits to support the community and the building of individual capacity. Develop an annual program marketing plan.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you!

• Post-secondary education, preferably in the field of Social Work, Community Development or equivalent
• 2-5 years program delivery experience including development, group facilitation and evaluation
• Project management and/or event planning experience would be an asset
• Knowledge of mental health and suicide awareness an asset
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong facilitation skills - experience leading group processes and managing group dynamics with various population groups
• Program and content development and delivery experience, evaluation, outcomes, data collection and reporting

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all of our employees.  As a Cochrane employee you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, directives and procedures and attend all identified orientations and training.

Still interested?  Here’s how to apply:

• Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills and abilities for this position
• All qualified candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey
• Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST May 14, 2024 at www.cochrane.ca/jobs