Coordinator, Mental Health & Addictions

About Us

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health (OAMH) works in close partnership with Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health’s Mental Health and Addictions programs. Together, we aim to ensure that Nova Scotians receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, from the right provider.

OAMH also collaborates with a range of community-based organizations to fund and support vital mental health and addictions services across the province. In addition to supporting traditional clinical services, OAMH focuses on addressing the social determinants of health by working with partners within and across government departments.

A key responsibility of OAMH is to promote harm reduction and ensure that mental health and addiction services in Nova Scotia are delivered using evidence-informed, anti-stigma approaches.

We are recruiting a Coordinator, Mental Health & Addictions with the OAMH. This is your opportunity to have an impact on the development and delivery of multiple plans, strategies, and initiatives that improve the mental health of the population, and address health inequities.

About Our Opportunity

The Coordinator, Mental Health & Addictions is a key member of OAMH. You will lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives focused on improving access to treatment to support mental wellness and addictions and supporting efforts to improve quality and accountability. You will work closely with intersectoral partners including, but not limited to, intradepartmental, provincial, federal, and territorial colleagues, the NSHA and IWK, the private and non-profit sector, and broader community.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leading and supporting project management towards the completion of complex policy and project initiatives which require significant coordination and collaboration across multiple sectors.
• Leading and supporting the development of standards, policy, legislation, and models of care.
• Providing input into development and implementation of an accountability framework with results-based management tools, processes and indicators that monitor, assess risk, impact, and progress of system performance.
• Coordinating, maintaining, and updating contracts and agreements with health system partners on accountability, data sharing and reporting standards based on consultation with health leadership, key partners and health system priorities.
• Leading multiple teams and providing functional direction to staff in various working groups, both within OAMH and collaboratively with staff from other departments, NSHA and IWK, private and non-profit sector, and broader community.

As the Coordinator, Mental Health & Addictions, you will report to one of the two Program Directors, OAMH.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a related field as well as several years of experience in the design, development, implementation and evaluation/monitoring of policies and programs.

You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• A strong analytical mind who can also think conceptually and see the big picture.
• Highly developed communications skills and using tact and diplomacy to communicate effectively to any individual regardless of their level.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects to achieve objectives, work collaboratively, and motivate people and teams.
• Demonstrated understanding and respect of cultural differences including a commitment to recognizing diversity both between and within cultural groups.
• Demonstrated experience in change management
• An ability to create a positive work environment while achieving goals
• A strong commitment to be a team player

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government.
• Familiarity with mental health and addictions systems, services and supports.
• Experience working in a role that entails the provision of service delivery for individuals/families/communities impacted by addictions and/or mental health.
• Project Management training
  
  

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information. 

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.