Student Engagement and Outreach Consultant

School Mental Health Ontario works together with Ontario school districts to support student mental health. As a provincial implementation support team, School Mental Health Ontario provides leadership, resources, implementation coaching and a community of practice to promote the uptake, scaling, and sustainability of evidence-based, implementation-sensitive, culturally responsive, identity-affirming practices in school mental health. School Mental Health Ontario serves the 72 English and French school boards in Ontario, remote school authorities, and provincial demonstration schools. The team works alongside the Ministry of Education and has a role within the wider system of care, linking with partner ministries and organizations to advance child and youth mental health.

We are seeking a Student Engagement and Outreach Consultant to join the Student Engagement Team at School Mental Health Ontario The successful candidate will facilitate and support provincial student groups, support the roll out of a student led resource related to substance use health and balanced device use, lead the development of student-facing communications, and expand outreach initiatives.

The consultant will also support student programming, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, informing student consultation planning, to ensure student perspectives are central to all activities.
At School Mental Health Ontario, we recognize diversity as a source of organizational strength. We are actively seeking applications from those who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing student mental health with a clear focus on human rights, and on reducing disproportionality and disparity in outcomes. Those with experience in serving racialized communities, and those with identities that have been historically/presently disadvantaged and marginalized, will bring particular assets that are highly valued within the team.

Role description includes, but is not limited to:

1. Build on the 2025-2026 work plan for enhancing student mental health engagement and leadership, guided by student priorities identified through the 2024 #HearNowON initiative.
2. Maintain and support the ThriveSMH reference group to ensure student perspectives lead and/or inform decision-making and resource development. Ensure strong liaison with the Pros’pairs French student reference group and the Parent/Caregiver Collaboration Group.
3. Create supportive environments for student contributions to school mental health projects. Support students in developing their ideas and assist in planning and facilitating group discussions, including consultations and focus groups, ensuring student voices are central to decision-making. Act as a liaison between students and relevant project teams, ensuring diverse student perspectives are prioritized.
4. Support the roll-out of a student-informed, student-led resource related to substance use health and balanced device use across Ontario. Work with student leadership teams and adult allies within school boards to help them with effective implementation and monitoring of the campaign.
5. Enhance the reach and breadth of School Mental Health Ontario’s provincial student network, applying creative methods to connect with a broader student audience and identify successful student-led initiatives to amplify ideas.
6. Collaborate with the School Mental Health Ontario communications team to develop and manage student-facing communications, including emails, social media, blogs and more. Ensure consistent, engaging messaging aligned with School Mental Health Ontario’s goals through the use of a content calendar.
7. Liaise and align with other provincial and national youth engagement and youth mental health organizations to support consistent messaging and to catalyze impact.
8. Attend regular Student Engagement Team meetings.

Qualifications:

1. Completion of undergraduate degree in a health-related field such as psychology, health sciences, or social work. A graduate level degree is a strong asset.
2. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in working directly with young people, including facilitating discussions and supporting youth-led projects related to mental health, substance use health or related themes. A strong understanding of youth engagement principles, theory, practices and tools is required.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the unique nature of K-12 student engagement in school-based wellness promotion, mental health literacy, substance use health and stigma reduction.
4. Commitment to principles of equity, truth and reconciliation, anti-racism, respect and social justice. Experience in serving youth from racialized communities and those with identities that have been historically/are presently disadvantaged and marginalized.
5. Relational style of connecting with students that facilitates a sense of belonging, contribution and trust.
6. Excellent project management, organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
7. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse student groups and stakeholders and translate and mobilize information to diverse audiences. Demonstrated capacity to work well within a virtual team environment.
8. Proficient computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft 365, social media platforms (e.g., Instagram) and virtual meeting methods and facilitation tools. Experience using client management systems or mailing list software applications or the ability to learn new programs quickly are considered assets.
9. Bilingualism in English and French is a strong asset

The deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on December 19, 2025.

Please apply via email to hr@smho-smso.ca. Include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Applicants are thanked in advance for their interest; however, only those who have been short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Accommodation for applicants is available in the recruitment process. All interviews will be held virtually by web meeting.