Job Description
At the Canadian Red Cross, we are guided by our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.
Starting with the hiring process, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons to apply, particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people, and people with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
We are looking for a Senior Manager - Mental Health & Psychosocial Support, who will work to advance mental health & psychosocial support (inclusive of safe environments) and beneficiary/community accountability within operations and programs to place affected communities, in collaboration with and report to the Director of Health in Emergencies (HiE) – BC and Yukon.
In this role, you will:
- Develop MHPSS, inclusive of protection, gender equality and social inclusion (herein after MHPSS) strategy supporting implementation of MHPSS.
- Provide technical support and contributes knowledge and expertise to ensure strategies integrate MHPSS considerations across operations & programs within BC & Yukon.
- Provides on-site and remote guidance and oversight in the planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of MHPSS strategy, framework, and activities of the Service.
- Ensures existing and prospective initiatives across programs and operations are consistent with CRC’s strategies, lessons learned and internationally accepted standards of practice (e.g. IFRC MHPS Policy, IASC Guidelines, Minimum Standards etc.)
- Lead provincial/territorial oversight to ensure successful integration of MHPSS lens and activity, providing strategic guidance and lead the holistic approach to partnerships with provincial & territorial government agencies (health, education, etc.), local authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Provide strong leadership integrating principles of change management in the transition of MHPSS and Safety and Wellbeing personnel and programs to HiE, enhancing the capacity and engagement of volunteers, and supporting training.
- With Director, and national MHPSS leadership, represent CRC in relevant conferences, meetings and working groups and supports an expanded leadership role for the CRC in Canada on MHPSS, incl. PGIE.
- Participate in disaster planning, preparation, and response, as required.
- Performs other duties, as required.
What we are looking for:
Education and experience:
- Registered professional (in good standing) with completion of graduate degree in social work, psychology, nursing, or other mental health related field.
- Combination of education and experience may be considered for Mental Health Professionals with significant relevant experience.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive job experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), wellness/wellbeing, social services program implementation required.
- Training in Psychological First Aid, protection and violence prevention, and psychosocial support in emergencies.
- Knowledge and certification in crisis intervention, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), or similar preferred.
- Knowledge of clinical social work intervention.
- Minimum 5 years in people management experience.
- Experience in emergency management including in response.
- Experience in working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement considered an asset.
- This position requires a satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check required or a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC).
- If driving for society business; a valid driver’s license is required with a satisfactory drivers’ abstract.
Skills and attributes:
- Fluency in English is required. Additional languages considered an asset.
- Strong leadership, managerial skills and problem-solving skills in a complex, high pressure environments.
- Superior interpersonal relations, communication, conflict resolution, organization, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and to act as a liaison to support communication between stakeholders.
- Demonstrates ability to act as an educational resource for personnel, the people we serve, community partners, including Indigenous leadership.
- Able to demonstrate knowledge and respect of Indigenous culture and traditions, and cultural diversity.
Working conditions:
- Most of the work is performed in an environment which is mostly clean and comfortable.
- Able to work non-traditional hours, and be on-call and respond to emergency/disaster related requests
- Potential for responding to disaster/crisis areas, as well as difficult and unstable conditions (environmental, physical, social, etc.) and uncomfortable conditions (noise, odors, smoke, humidity, vulnerable beneficiaries). These stressful rapidly changing environments with limited information to make decisions have the potential to affect the physical and psychological state of the responders on site
- This position may require domestic or international travel to attend conferences, workshops and meetings as required
- Must be able to be Medical Cleared for travel in accordance with established CRC Medical criteria in positions where travel will be required
- Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
- Full vaccination against COVID-19 may be requested to participate in in-person activities
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
