Program Coordinator, Maternal Infant Mental Health

Abiona Centre (“the Centre”) is an award-winning, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre that is a multi-service, non-profit, unionized, community agency located in the east end of Toronto.  The Centre is committed to nurturing empowerment, independence and growth for young pregnant and parenting women, children and families in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment by providing a residential care and treatment program; supportive transitional housing; on-site high school program, community housing support and referral services; and maternal infant mental health programs and services. We do this by working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team with community partners to provide holistic programs and support that respond to mental health, education and transitional needs. The Centre also operates an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and an Early Learning Centre.  All the programs and services are open to families, young women and their children living in the broader community.

Reporting to the Supervisor, the Program Coordinator, MIMH is responsible for implementing and facilitating developmental screening and monitoring and coordinating individual Developmental Support Plans based on the evidence-based screening results for children from birth to five years old, as well as psycho-educational group programs, family interventions, with a focus on African Canadian and racialized families with young children.

The primary focus of this role is to promote and enhance optimal mental health and wellbeing and healthy child-caregiver relationships, through program delivery targeting early childhood mental health prevention and counselling services. The Program Coordinator, MIMH will build and maintain supportive relationships with the caregivers, teachers of the children participating in our programs as well as with our community partners and other stakeholders.

Position:  Program Coordinator, Maternal Infant Mental Health

Term:  Permanent Full-time

Department:  Maternal Infant Mental Health

Reports to:  Supervisor, Maternal Infant Mental Health

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary Degree in Child Development, or Early Childhood Education, or equivalent; Certificate and/or trainings in Infant Mental Health, attachment-based interventions, and work with young children preferred.
• At least 3 years’ work experience providing child development or infant mental health services.
• A clear understanding and knowledge of anti- racism/oppressive practices that impact BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
• Knowledge of African Canadian culture is required, and lived experience will be an asset.
• Knowledge of the issues affecting marginalized African Canadians and other racialized families with young children; as well as pregnant and parenting teens and their children.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in Infant Mental Health and early childhood development.
• Ability to establish therapeutic, trusting relationships with young children and their caregivers.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating groups and community forums with a focus on parenting and the parent-child relationships.
• Knowledge of the impact of the parent-child relationships on infant development.
• Experience implementing evidence-based parenting and attachment theory informed interventions with families from the BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
• Knowledge of the impact of maternal mental health on infant development.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain both clinical and collegial relationships.
• Critical thinking skills coupled with empathy and compassion is highly valued.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and client-centered approaches.
• Ability to speak a second language (i.e., French-Language) is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• 40 hours/week Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekend work, working in the community setting in schools or libraries or at external agencies facilities.
• Some travel to different Abiona Centre locations

Closing Date:  March 15, 2023; 5:00 p.m.

The Centre offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement opportunities. The successful candidate must have a negative criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Centre’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please make your needs known in advance.

The Centre encourages applications from persons who represent the diverse populations we serve.

Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume by the closing date to:

Human Resources

Abiona Centre

1102 Broadview Avenue

Toronto, ON M4K 2S5

Fax: 416-425-4056

OR

Email:  hr@abionacentre.ca (please quote “Program Coordinator, MIMH” in the subject line)

We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.