Manager, Employee Wellness

Essex, ON, Canada
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor

Manager, Employee Wellness


Department:  Essex-Windsor EMS
Position Type:  Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)
Location:  Essex, Ontario
Posting #:  EMS-05-25
Opening Date:  January 21, 2025
Closing Date:  February 4, 2025

About the Role

Are you passionate about fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental and physical well-being? Join the County of Essex as our Manager, Employee Wellness, where you will lead impactful programs to support the health and resilience of our EMS workforce. This is your chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our community every day.

Why Work With Us?

The Corporation of the County of Essex is an upper-tier municipal government providing programs and services to a population of approximately 192,000 residents. The County also provides some shared services with the City of Windsor, reaching approximately 420,000 residents regionally.

A division of the County of Essex, the Essex Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department is committed to providing the highest quality emergency medical pre-hospital care to the citizens of the County of Essex, the City of Windsor, and the Township of Pelee. Our purpose is to foster fiscally responsible quality care through:
  • Maintaining mutually supportive relationships with other emergency services and healthcare agencies in our community.
  • Participating in public education for prevention and awareness.
  • Providing continuous quality improvement to ensure the highest standards are achieved.
  • Supporting our employees and providing them with the tools and methods to accomplish the highest quality of care.
The County of Essex operates in Canada’s southernmost region, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living with easy access to world-class amenities and schools. Surrounded on three sides by water, our region boasts unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, cycling, and golfing.

With comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture built on respect and inclusivity, we are proud to support our employees’ success, while fostering a workplace that values health and wellness for all.

About the Team

As the Manager of Employee Wellness, you will report directly to the Chief of EMS and collaborate with a dedicated senior leadership team. Together, you’ll implement strategies and programs designed to enhance the physical and mental well-being of our paramedics, ensuring compliance with legislative standards and promoting a culture of health and safety. While the initial focus will be on supporting the EMS department, this role is envisioned to collaborate with other County departments, promoting wellness initiatives and providing guidance to foster a healthy and inclusive workplace across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

As the Manager, Employee Wellness, you will:

Strategic Planning & Program Development

  • Design and implement innovative psychological and physical wellness programs tailored to EMS staff.
  • Oversee compliance with legislation related to PTSD and other first responder wellness standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Manage the Peer Support Program, attendance support initiatives, and return-to-work programs.
  • Partner with police and fire services on Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) initiatives.
  • Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in alignment with corporate policies.

Reporting & Data Management

  • Conduct needs assessments and analyze trends to inform wellness strategies.
  • Draft grant applications to secure funding for mental health initiatives.
  • Prepare comprehensive wellness reports and ensure program sustainability.

Event Management

  • Organize paramedic recognition programs, including Commencement Ceremonies, Survivor Day, and Community Recognition events.

What You Bring

Education & Certifications

  • A University degree in Health Sciences, Psychology, Workplace Wellness, Health Promotion, or a related field.
  • Transferable skills in a leadership role specializing in employee mental wellness and PTSD prevention strategies in the healthcare sector may be considered.
  • Certifications in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Psychological Health and Safety (Canada), or other wellness-related fields are assets.

Experience

  • At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a unionized environment, involving wellness program design, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Demonstrated experience in researching, analyzing, and reporting on wellness and mental health trends, including statistical analysis.
  • Proven track record of developing policies and strategies related to psychological and physical health in the workplace.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve organizational objectives.
Skills & Knowledge
  • Leadership: Ability to inspire and mentor teams, foster collaboration, and build a culture of wellness and resilience.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and policy drafting.
  • Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to assess trends, evaluate data, and develop actionable recommendations.
  • Knowledge of Legislation: Familiarity with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, presumptive PTSD legislation for first responders, and National Standards for Workplace Psychological Health and Safety.
  • Program Development: Expertise in creating and implementing wellness initiatives, including return-to-work and attendance support programs.
  • Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams and external vendors or agencies.
Attributes & Competencies
  • Empathy and Understanding: A strong commitment to supporting the health and well-being of employees, particularly those in high-stress roles like paramedics.
  • Innovative Thinking: A forward-looking mindset to develop cutting-edge wellness programs that address the unique needs of EMS staff.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Ability to remain composed and proactive in dynamic and challenging situations.
  • Cultural Competence: Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the workplace.
Other Requirements
  • Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for corporate business.
  • Police Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with research tools or wellness-related software.

What We Are Offering

A salary range of $112,970 - $138,697 is just the beginning. The benefit package is second to none and the defined benefit plan of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S) is a pension system sought by many.

The Application Journey

Your journey starts here. Please submit your application online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by February 4, 2025 at 9:00 am. If selected, our HR team will contact you to participate in our hiring process.

We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Here’s what you can expect:
  1. Application Submission
Submit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by February 4, 2025. Highlight your leadership experience, achievements in developing wellness initiatives, and alignment with the County’s mission to support the health and resilience of our EMS team.
  1. Initial Screening
Our hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.
  1. Phone Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15-minute phone interview to discuss their background, interest in the role, and alignment with our organizational culture.
  1. Comprehensive Interview Panel
Selected candidates will be invited to a panel interview. This stage will focus on your:
  • Leadership philosophy and experience in team development.
  • Strategic thinking and ability to align wellness initiatives with organizational goals.
  • Problem-solving and program development skills.
  • Expertise and innovation in employee wellness program delivery.
The panel will include representatives from EMS, HR, and other County departments to ensure a holistic evaluation.
  1. Case Study Presentation
As part of the panel interview, candidates will complete a brief case study to demonstrate their ability to develop and present strategic wellness solutions to real-world challenges faced by the EMS workforce.
  1. Offer and Onboarding
If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer outlining the terms of employment. Upon acceptance, our onboarding team will work with you to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to your team, access to tools and systems, and a comprehensive overview of your first 90 days.

The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through [email protected]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.

Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.

 
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