Communications and Community Relations Specialist

Canadian Mental Health Association-Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge•Peterborough, ON

3d•CA$31 - CA$33•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an internal posting for current employees of C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Communications and Community Relations Specialist provides confidential senior-level communications on behalf of the CEO and Senior Leadership team. Responsibilities include disseminating confidential and embargoed information from the CEO and Board of Directors. The role manages all external communication activities such as the Annual Report, Social Media, Website, and Branding. It also involves planning, developing, and implementing communications, public information, and mental health promotion activities, acting as a liaison with the public, media, community groups, clients, and peers. The Specialist will assist senior management in developing and promoting a comprehensive organizational communications plan for C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. through effective strategies, including branding and content creation for various audiences and channels, with a strong social media presence. The portfolio includes fundraising responsibilities, coordinating activities with privacy implications, and developing a client engagement framework for feedback. The Specialist will coordinate draft funding proposals, gathering sensitive information from various sources. They support quality improvement through internal and external communications and serve as the in-house communication expert for managers and committee leads on sensitive matters like critical incident reports, health and safety investigations, and grievances.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or College Diploma in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations or other relevant program.
Successful completion of advanced training in Microsoft software and/or database software
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015)
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
Workplace Discrimination, Harassment & Violence Prevention
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Verbal Intervention Training
Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN)
First Aid/C.P.R
Minimum of three (3) years of practical and related experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Automobile in good repair and insurance coverage as required by agency policy.
Satisfactory police records search and vulnerable sector screening.
Satisfactory references.
Proof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccine
Ability to work remotely, for example from home, as required

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Quality Improvement projects is considered an asset
Non-profit sector experience.
Intermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French.
Lived expertise with a mental health concern or addiction, either personally or with a family member is an asset

Responsibilities

Act as a resource to the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.), Directors, Managers, Employees, Clients, and agency committees, on matters relating to efficient and effective internal and/or external communications and community development activities.
Attend monthly management meetings and support the management team by recording minutes and preparing E-communique for staff.
Attend Board of Directors meetings to support communication activities.
Review and edit confidential information from the C.E.O. and/or Senior Leadership.
Participate in the research, development, and writing of publications including the Annual report, media releases, press announcements, newsletters, magazine articles, backgrounders, brochures, speeches, etc.
Create content for C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. website and weekly communications to all staff.
Monitor all traditional and social media activity for the branch utilizing Cision software.
Oversee the implementation of effective brand-building initiatives that support the promotion of health and wellness initiatives and the services provided by C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.
Develop effective working relationships with media contacts and coordinate responses to requests for information as required, both locally and nationally.
Evaluate the effectiveness of internal and external communications and implement strategies to ensure all communications are consistent, compelling, and are reaching the intended audiences.
Monitor, analyze, report on web usage and interpret and disseminate web statistics to generate monthly media report for the Board of Directors.
Issue responses to concerns and crises that could have a negative impact on C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.’s reputation, community partnerships, clients, staff, and other stakeholders.
Provide support to the C.E.O. and management team to deliver effective communication to staff, clients and the community pertaining to emergency situations and pandemic events.
Support Manager of Quality and Communications in promoting and advancing quality improvement initiatives across the organization. Create QI presentations, balanced scorecards and maintain QI data and templates.
Participate in agency quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation, quality improvement committees.
Generate and write inspirational stories of client recovery and success through various media methods.
Assist the Manager of Community Engagement and Education with coordination and delivery of external events.
Participates in developing annual fundraising goals and strategies to support reach fundraising targets.
Apprised to confidential program funding and active budget information to aid in seeking and pursuing grant/funding opportunities to support agency initiatives.
Assists the Manager of Community Engagement and Education in pursuing corporate or public sector sponsorships as well as individual donors.
Work as a liaison with Delta Bingo and supervises C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. bingo staff. Complete and/or oversee administrative tasks including: bi-weekly scheduling, review and approval of timesheets, expense claims, vacation requests, etc.
Represent C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. at networking events with local business groups, chambers of commerce, Women’s Business Network, Downtown Business Improvement Area and rotary clubs.
Participate cooperatively in the agency performance management process/system.
Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies and procedures.
Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory training.
Actively engage and participate in supervisory process.
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of clients, staff/colleagues, volunteers and students.
Adhere to C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.
Attend, participate in team/staff meetings, and all-staff meetings as required.
Participate in agency quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events, etc.
Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level.
Participate in external committees as required.