Mental Health Support at Dumont Technical Institute

Gabriel Dumont Institute; Regina; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Saskatchewan-based educational institute is seeking a Program Support Facilitator to enhance mental health support for students. The role involves facilitating access to resources, creating workshops, and promoting an inclusive environment. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in mental health support to foster student well-being and connectivity. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students in a supportive educational setting.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Engagement in community initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in providing mental health support to students.
• Ability to connect students with appropriate resources and services.
• Skills in engaging with a diverse student population.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate access to mental health resources for students.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for student engagement.
• Implement mental health initiatives and workshops.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Crisis intervention

Communication

Education

Relevant degree or certification in mental health or support

Job description

Overview

Mental Health Support at Dumont Technical Institute

Canadian Mental Health Week Feature May 6 - 12, 2024

At Dumont Technical Institute, mental health is a priority. As a program support facilitator, I ensure that the students have access to resources and support that they can access whenever they need.

At the beginning of the program, I introduce myself and my role at DTI. During the introduction, I provide each student with a folder containing information on mental health supports. Wallet cards with Saskatchewan’s emergency numbers and websites are distributed, and a support board with pamphlets and QR codes to mobile resources is available for students to reference.

If a student is unsure of what they may want support for, they can meet with me, the PSF, to narrow down their struggles and identify the resources they may need. I maintain a resource and support book for Saskatoon that includes information, contacts, numbers, and websites for various organizations to help students access support.

We have partnered with initiatives to enhance student support, including Embracing Life, a suicide prevention initiative with a free app for journaling, daily check-ins, emergency numbers, and a safe space feature. Student Support (formerly Keep Me Safe) provides 24/7 mental health support, with counselors available by text or call at any time.

DTI aims to remind students that they are not alone and that we are here to help. We provide resources and connect students with professionals trained in the areas they need. Helping students manage their mental health supports full participation in academic and social life.

Prince Albert: bonny johnson, Program Support Facilitator

Our campus is a welcoming space where instructors and support staff greet students and help them settle into their class routines. We acknowledge students who have been away and welcome them back. Student Mental Health is important to us.

Campus Supports and Approaches

• We address the whole person in our support, helping students secure housing, food, clothing, transportation, funding, and career guidance. Meeting basic needs supports student Mental Health.
• We encourage conversations about Mental Health to reduce stigma and normalize seeking help.
• We embed self-care conversations as the first step toward positive Mental Health.
• We incorporate The Big Four Strategies to help students take proactive action regarding their Mental Health.
• Our open-door policy creates a safe space. Instructors and staff may offer a smudge or a listening talk as part of support.
• Students can access Mental Health support through the Mental Health Continuum and may view concepts in a Medicine Wheel format.
• We use the ALGES framework to assess and guide students toward the help they need.
• Students have access to a range of supports, including doctor visits, Elder support, counseling, and building healthy support systems.

Northern Saskatchewan: Shaylyn Bouvier, Program Support Facilitator

My name is Shaylyn Bouvier, and I am a Program Support Facilitator at Dumont Technical Institute. Based in Northern Saskatchewan, I support surrounding communities and address the challenges students face regarding mental health. Balancing academic pressures, social life, and personal well-being can be difficult; we implement a range of initiatives to support student mental health.

One key initiative is our Mental Health Board, a campus space with resources, information, and support related to mental health. It provides tips on stress management and contact information for counselling services.

We prioritize a culture of openness and support, with regular workshops and events focused on self-care, mindfulness, and coping strategies. Our efforts extend beyond resources and services to building a campus environment where students feel heard, valued, and supported through empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity.

In attached photos, you will see snapshots of the mental health wall, wellness activities, and welcoming spaces dedicated to mental health support. These images reflect our commitment to student well-being and a supportive campus community.

The Île-à-la-Crosse Rossignol High School hosted a mental health youth conference in April, which involved our students and me in tipi teachings and the creation of miniature tipis. It was a successful event.

Promoting mental health at the Regina Campus involves relationship-building with students and staff. We strive for a wrap-around approach through teamwork to create a safe environment and foster well-being. Time is always made to listen and support students; they are the reason we are here.

There is an open-door policy; when the door is open, you can come in to talk. We emphasize active listening, compassion, and empathy, and we promote respectful language to reduce stigma. We work to ensure inclusivity for all students. We use the ALGES approach and discuss the mental health continuum with students, highlighting the importance of self-care.

We promoted Living Works Start training on campus throughout the school year. This 90-minute course provides foundational skills to recognize when someone may be thinking of suicide and how to connect with them to help. Healthy Campus Saskatchewan funded this course.

We have Mental Health materials available across the campus and continue to share new information with students and staff. Our goal at the Regina Campus is for students to know and believe they are not alone.

GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province

J-18808-Ljbffr