Wellness Support Specialist

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services (LFES)

two-year term, 75 hours biweekly)

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services has an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about supporting first responders.

As the Wellness Support Specialist , you will work with our team in enhancing and improving current employee wellness practices.

The combination of Fire, EMS, PSCC (Dispatch), and specialty teams, puts our employees at the front end of a dynamic and acute response / call portfolio.

This individual will play a critical role in setting an overall strategy for supports and programming related to the wellness of our people.

Strategic Planning and Programming :

• Promotes a positive environment for the open discussion about mental health through strategies to reduce stigma.
• Recommends initiatives and goals of workplace wellness programs as part of the strategic direction for Department.
• In partnership with City of Lethbridge People & Partner Services, assists in setting wellness-based philosophies and values that optimizes the overall health wellness of all LFES Employees.
• Supports and assists with the development of internal psychological safe work practices, plans and strategies.
• Promotes a psychological wellness approach and provide a coordinated response to mental health of employees.
• Monitors absentee program, identifying trends and recommendations to reduce absenteeism throughout department.

Training and Administering Resources :

• Actively works to maintain and promote a culture of understanding and inclusivity related to the impact of the environmental and individual stressors LFES employee’s encounter.
• Develops and delivers ongoing wellness training and information related to mental health and wellness initiatives including recruit orientation.
• Manages and keeps current wellness related information on LFES LMS Vector Solutions.
• Assists Fire Administration with selection of new members and coordination of pre hire programs such physical fitness support, interviews, and psychological screening result evaluation of applicants.
• Monitors current Fire, EMS, PSCC wellness programs for effectiveness.
• Develops reports on trends to ensure LFES is keeping pace with all industry standards. Related, but not limited to :
• National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
• International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
• Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA)
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

Supports Employees and Internal Teams

• Plays a key role in the support of members and administration in the return-to-work program at LFES.
• Provides support and coordinates information between LFES CISM team, health and safety committee, IAFF Peer Support, Disability management team (COL).
• In coordination with COL people and partner services, ensures all corporate deliverables related to employee wellness are successfully implemented within LFES.
• Supports and promotes early intervention procedures and the mobilization of supports and practices following traumatic and critical events.
• Monitor LFES incident / issue reports identifying events requiring employee check in.
• Takes part in formal and informal conversations with staff on an ongoing basis.

Reports and Measurement

• Prepares and generates various statistical reports by conducting research, gathering and summarizing information.
• Prepares and formats reports, presentations, and priority notices for staff.
• Develops a measurement system to evaluate the impact, efficiency, and effectiveness of wellness program initiatives through data collection, analysis and reporting of trends and strategic drivers.
• Collects non-personal identifying data with support from multiple sources to analyze impact of wellness and resiliency building strategies and continuous program improvement.

Your professional skillset and experience :

• Holds a strong ideology and proven record of supporting people in their wellness and mental health journey.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Current Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), or other related training, course work or certificates in the field of mental health and wellness is considered an asset.
• Shares a passion in, and has experience related to assisting people or groups through traumatic experiences.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to interact and coordinate with all staff, Operations, PSCC, Administration and Support Staff.
• A background in emergency response, or first responder support and programming would be an asset.
• Availability to travel for professional development opportunities.
• Understanding of self-care strategies

We are looking for a results-oriented team member who demonstrates professionalism and is committed to providing exemplary public service in support of our employees and the community.

The City of Lethbridge offers a competitive and flexible compensation package.

The City offers an attractive salary, flexible benefits package, and flexible work arrangements.

For further information on this opportunity, please contact :

Cody Gundlock, Deputy Chief of Safety Health and Wellness at 403-320-3163 or [email protected]

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume with cover letter, online at : www.lethbridge.ca

Closing Date : Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11 : 59 p.m.

All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

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