Director, Mental Wellness - YMCA BC

Date Posted: July 23, 2024

Position Title: Director, Mental Wellness

Location: Robert Lee YMCA (955 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC)

Terms: Temporary, Full-Time

Start Date: As soon as possible

End Date: July 31st, 2025

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 annually

Reports To: Vice President, Community Operations

Benefits: Full group benefits (medical and dental); 4 weeks of vacations; YMCA Staff Membership

Situation:

YMCA BC is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change to grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Since January 2023, YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver are officially one association, with one mission to strengthen our impact for communities across British Columbia. We are YMCA BC - Even Stronger Together. This transition marks a new chapter in our long-standing history of building communities, transforming lives, and connecting people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities, to unique opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their potential.

At the YMCA BC, people are our greatest asset, and we are proud to be an employer of choice. Working at the YMCA BC means you are part of a fun, positive team in an environment of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and inclusivity. The YMCA BC is committed to providing our community the support it needs to thrive through employment, youth services, and programming for families and seniors. We believe a vibrant, healthy community is one in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.

Nature and Scope:

YMCA BC offers a suite of mental wellness programs designed to support individuals dealing with stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety. These programs, including Y Mind and Mind Medicine, are grounded in evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques. Y Mind is available in various age groups: Y Mind Teen for ages 13-18, Y Mind Youth for ages 18-30, and Y Mind Adult for those 31 and older. Mind Medicine caters specifically to Indigenous communities, offering culturally responsive support. Participation does not require a YMCA membership or a formal diagnosis, ensuring accessibility to all who need assistance. Additionally, the YMCA at Home Wellness Programs provide online resources for self-care and managing anxiety during challenging times.

Reporting to the VP Community Operation, the Director of Mental wellness will oversee the operations and performance of YMCA Mental Wellness programs, grow the department through strategic alliances and development of funding proposals to Government and oversee the scale up of National Y Mind Including partnership with Y Canada and independent Y Counselling supports.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads planning sessions, develops plans and ensures implementation of program/services are in compliance with Association/legislative requirements
• Oversees delivery of high-quality programs and services
• Develops partnerships and collaboration policies and procedures, monitors and tracks compliance
• Management of employee performance, including reviews and discipline where required; management of partnerships with external stakeholders to meet program targets and deliverables
• Budget oversight for Mental Wellness and other programs as required
• Identifies, develops and implements new, sustainable programs, outreach activities and other initiatives
• Works with the association's fund development team, government relations and project partners to prepare funding proposals and reports

Qualifications/Experience:

• Post-Secondary degree or equivalent designation in a mental health related field; Masters level experience preferred to support clinical supports and safety planning
• Minimum 5 years management (2+ at a senior level); Supervision of multiple staff teams
• Budget management experience including budget development and experience managing multiple, complex budgets
• Program management from concept and development, contract acquisition, launch, execution and completion
• Proven experience with stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Knowledge and experience of the mental health and/or social services sector in British Columbia, required
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding your start date
• Current Emergency First Aid and CPR-C with AED certificate

Competencies:

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, and an orientation to service, the candidate should possess the following competencies:

• Leadership/Coaching - Ability to direct and develop performance of others to achieve desired result.
• Service Strategy - Ability to identify the needs and wants of members/participants as a priority and respond in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person's YMCA experience.
• Negotiation/Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Ability to speak, write, listen and secure information in many settings. Ability to cooperate with others to achieve results. Ability to create and build relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Problem Solving - Ability to identify an issue, gather and processes relevant information, determine possible solutions, selects appropriate responses and implements and evaluates them.
• Initiative/Enthusiasm/Innovation - Ability to manage and lead to achieve and exceed identified goals.
• Community Awareness and Understanding - Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the vision, mission, and values of the organization
• Self-Management - ability to appropriately manage one's own emotions and strong feelings; maintain a calm and tactful composure under a broad range of challenging circumstances; and think clearly and stay focused under pressure. Encompasses self-regulation and mindfulness.
• Teamwork/ Cooperation - ability to work cooperatively and productively with others within and across organizational units to achieve common goals; demonstrate respect, cooperation, collaboration, and consensus-building.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Application Process:

Internal Applicants: Please apply online through the ADP Workforce Now Career Center.

Application Deadline: Until filled.

Thank you for your interest and application.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted