Program Manager, Farmer Wellness Initiative

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a provincial association, committed to improving services and support for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions issues, and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.  

CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agribusiness operates Agriculture Wellness Ontario, a suite of programs that bring mental health education, counselling services and enhanced community support to agricultural communities across the province. 

Job Summary 

CMHA Ontario is seeking an experienced Program Manager, Farmer Wellness Initiative (FWI), Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO).

­­­­­Under the direction of the Director, Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO), the Farmer Wellness Initiative Manager (FWI) of AgWO oversees and leads the day-to-day management and administration of the Farmer Wellness Initiative program. 

The Farmer Wellness Initiative (FWI) provides Ontario farmers, farm families, farm employees, and spouses and dependents of farm employees with free, unlimited mental health counselling, specific to the unique challenges that can be experienced by the agricultural community.

Core Responsibilities 

• Manage project plans for the farmer wellness initiative including schedules, budgets, and the achievement of program goals and objectives. 

• Leads the production of coordinated monthly/quarterly/annual plans and reports for the FWI Program and submits regular activity updates to the Program Director.  

• Coordinates program reporting and financial reporting to funders including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agri-Business. 

• Works closely with the internal Finance Department to coordinate regular reporting, financial statements and coordinate vendor payments. 

• In partnership with the Psychological Support and Education Manager, stewards unique service requests and facilitates system navigation for individuals and groups through the intake process with TELUS Health for the Farmer Wellness Initiative. 

• Maintains regular check in points with the TELUS Health Team and shares emerging issues in the Ontario agriculture community to the TELUS Health intake and counselling team. 

• Troubleshoots any issues on the Farmer Wellness Initiative line. 

• Supports a communications strategy for the farmer counselling initiative in partnership with AgWO and CMHA Ontario’s Communications colleagues. 

• Liaises with internal colleagues (e.g., Government Relations, Branch relations) to enhance the overall program quality and reach. 

• In partnership with Psychological Support and Education Manager, leads health equity initiatives, to increase accessibility and full participation for program participants. 

• Supports the work of the Manager of Psychological Support and Education on any clinical matters arising from the line.  

• Works closely with our Monitoring and Evaluation team to monitor and implement quality assurance measures and offer suggestions for improvement. 

• Leads all partnership engagement activities for the farmer wellness initiative, including management of third-party vendor contract. 

• Participates in internal and external meetings, stakeholder events and trainings. 

Note: This job summary describes the general nature and level of work expected. It does not include a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. 

Skills & Experience 

• Graduate degree in a relevant healthcare or social services field, or equivalent work experience.

• Certification/designation in a relevant healthcare field is a strong asset. 

• Experience in project management and quality assurance. 

• Direct experience working with the agricultural community within Ontario is a strong asset. 

• Ability to manage budgets transparently to meet the needs of the funder with defined outcomes met in collaboration with CMHA Ontario's Finance Department.

• Ability to effectively gather, synthesize, assess and respond to issues. 

• Able to use analysis and creative thinking to find multiple solutions and drive continuous improvement efforts. 

• Experience applying judgment and discretion and taking initiative when dealing with confidential, legal, and/or sensitive information. 

• Experience with health promotion within the mental health or healthcare field are assets.

• Highly developed networking skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, editing, presentation, reporting, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint) 

• Bilingualism (French/English and Spanish, Tagalog, Thai) an asset.

Behavioural Competencies 

• Detail Oriented  

• Assertive decision making 

• Self-starter/Initiative 

• Teamwork/Collaboration 

• Strong Leadership 

• Interpersonal Communication 

• Problem solving/Troubleshooting 

• Time Management 

• Organization/Administration 

• Adaptability 

• Organizational Commitment 

Salary 

Hiring Rate: This position pays between $81,124.71 and $83,539.88 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week.

The salary grid for this role ranges between $81,124.71 at Step 1 and $91,228.95 at Step 5. The initial salary offered for this position is anticipated to fall between Step 1 and Step 2 of the salary grid as posted above as the hiring rate.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes pension through HOOPP, life, health, and dental insurance, exclusive paid time-off and opportunities for professional development.

Working Conditions 

This is a regular full-time, bargaining position, working standard office hours (currently 35 hours/week). This position is based in Toronto, Ontario (180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2301), but will allow for remote work for qualified candidates outside of the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. The position requires regular travel, possibly requiring overnight stays. 

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.  

This position is within the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.   

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.  

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request.