Learning Specialist

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.

Supporting Working Ontarians During Uncertain Economic Times is a special one-year initiative. This Employment Ontario project is funded by the Government of Ontario. It aims to strengthen workforce resilience by delivering workplace mental health education, clinical supports, leadership development, and employer engagement across Ontario. The project is led by CMHA Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, CMHA Windsor-Essex County, and CMHA York Region South Simcoe.

Job Summary

CMHA Ontario is seeking an experienced Learning Specialist . This position is a full-time, special funded contract until August 24, 2027. Reporting to the Senior Manager, the incumbent will lead the development, revision and customization of workplace mental health training and associated materials, supporting the learning initiatives under the Supporting Working Ontarians During Uncertain Economic Times project.

In this role, the Learning Specialist will lead the adaptation and enhancement of CMHA Ontario's existing Mental Health Works curriculum, resources, and related webinars and workshops, in collaboration with existing facilitators/trainers, provide subject matter expertise to project partners, as well as support the development of new e-learning modules addressing workplace mental health, workforce resilience and psychological health and safety.

The ideal candidate has experience creating and developing curriculum for adult learners, is comfortable operating on their own initiative, is adept at collaborating closely with subject matter experts, trainers/facilitators, and the broader project team, and understands what it takes to deliver engaging in-person and virtual training to communities across Ontario.

Core Responsibilities

Adapt and enhance the existing Mental Health Works curriculum for the business community and lead updates and development of related workplace mental health training for project delivery.

Develop facilitator guides, participant resources, and implementation tools.

Support the development of digital learning pathways in collaboration with project partners.

Maintain oversight of the project’s curriculum, modules, and training materials through a quality improvement lens based on the latest research and practice in modern workplace trends, mental health best practices, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Anti-Racism (EDIAA) best practices, and the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (“the Standard”), as well as client, participant, and facilitator feedback.

Coordinate French translation with external vendors to maintain quality and consistency across languages.

Support the project team in ensuring all materials reflect current trademark, copyright, visual identity, and intellectual property requirements.

Liaise with internal resource positions (e.g., Evaluation Lead, Trainers/Facilitators, etc.) to implement and monitor quality assurance measures, including evaluation practices, and to suggest improvements in consultation with team members.

In partnership with Mental Health Works program staff, support community educator onboarding, training, and periodic development opportunities on workplace mental health best practices and curriculum updates.

Lead the development and implementation of customized workshops for project clients, as requested.

Assist with the development of workplace resources that support employer engagement and workforce resilience.

Support project implementation by ensuring learning resources align with the approved workplan and performance commitments.

Attend regular meetings with project team members and CMHA Ontario.

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Skill-Based Competencies

Minimum 3 years’ experience in curriculum development with adult learners is required.

Experience in the mental health, healthcare or business/workplace wellness fields is required.

Experience in curriculum development, including learning modules, workshop/participant materials, training materials, and other pieces of the curriculum.

Certification/designation in a relevant healthcare or related field (e.g. RP, BSW, MSW, SSW, etc.) preferred.

Demonstrated ability to design curricula in plain language related to mental health and addictions.

Ability to plan and deliver training and development sessions that engage facilitators/educators in shared knowledge exchange, skill development and best practice discussions.

Familiarity with equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism best practices, and their application in curriculum design and delivery to meet diverse participant needs.

Experience and training in project management is a strong asset.

Familiarity with key concepts of mental health promotion, health equity, and social determinants of health an asset.

Working knowledge of the mental health and addictions sector, workplace mental health, and the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including strong writing, editing, and presentation skills with a high attention to detail.

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

Strong strategic thinking.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook), database management, and email software.

G Class license is a strong asset.

Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.

Behavioural Competencies

Initiative/Self-Starter Attitude

Teamwork/Collaboration

Interpersonal Communication

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Time Management

Organization/Administration

Adaptability

Creativity

Organizational Commitment

Salary

Hiring Rate: This position pays between $76,866.17 and $79,172.16 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week.

The salary grid for this role ranges between $76,866.17 at Step 1 and $86,513.55 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 full-time, special funded, contract position until August 24, 2027, working standard office hours (and paid 35 hours/week). This position is based in Toronto, Ontario (180 Dundas Street West) and may require regular travel. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office 3 days/week and from home 2 days/week.

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. 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 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