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Bell Island Support Network (BISN)

Position Available

Community Relations - Program Coordinator

(Full-Time)

About BISN

The Bell Island Support Network (BISN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing social and health challenges related to addictions and recovery on Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bell Island is a rural community located about a 20-minute drive and 20-minute ferry crossing from St. John’s. It has a population of approximately 2,400 people and is home to an Opioid Management and Treatment Clinic at the local hospital.

BISN’s goals are to:

● Enhance harm reduction efforts.

● Provide peer support throughout the recovery process.

● Offer opportunities for life skills, pre-employment and employment training.

● Reduce stigma around addictions and facilitate integration into the community.

The Position

BISN is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the position of Community Relations and Program Coordinator. This position seeks to: (1) Continue to Integrate BISN into the community by creating and maintaining strong relationships with key partners; (2) Work from a trauma-informed lens and (3) organize programs and activities that help to reduce stigma and increase understanding of addictions by the public, develop and facilitate programs inline with our mandate.

The position reports to the Project Manager who reports to the board of directors.

The position is a 3 year opportunity, with the possibility of extension, currently funded by a major grant from Health Canada until March 31st, 2028.

The place of employment is BISN’s Peer Support Centre (“The Hug”) in Wabana. And the start date is April 1, 2025.

Responsibilities

● Collaborate with Bell Islands two Local Schools and Community Organizations: Partner with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, and other community organizations to develop and implement programs aimed at diverting youth from addiction-related lifestyles.

● Program Development and Implementation: Design and execute engaging and effective programs that provide youth with positive alternatives and support their overall well-being. Including, supporting our peer support coordinator as needed.

● Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with community partners to ensure the success and sustainability of the programs.

● Monitoring and Evaluation: Assess the impact of the programs and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes for students.

● By focusing on these responsibilities, you will play a crucial role in creating a supportive and healthy environment for teens, helping them make positive life choices and avoid addiction-related behaviors.

● Help set up after-school and weekend programs for students at all grade levels.

● Organize public events that seek to bridge the gaps between persons in recovery and the broader community: dinners, lectures, concerts, performances, commemorations, etc.

● Recruit, train and supervise volunteers to provide peer support or other services (e.g., art programs, pre-employment programs, personal finance seminars).

● Keep key partners informed regularly of developments at BISN.

● Help maintain and populate BISN’s website.

● Monitor social media based on Bell Island and address any misconceptions or misinformation about the use of drugs on the island or about BISN’s operations.

● Lead the creation and production of any printed promotional materials.

● Draft any required proposals for funding and permits related to the community activities, review with the Project manager prior to submission.

● Solicit the necessary partners to ensure the success of community projects.

● Draft a budget and purchase the necessary equipment, supplies, subscriptions or other elements required for each community project.

● Maintain detailed records of expenditures, client work hours, revenues and any other necessary information related to these projects.

● Draft any required progress reports and final reports to funders and partners.

● Perform any other related activities as directed by the Project Manager.

Qualifications

● University degree in Communications, Education, Public Health, any of the social sciences, or any related field.

● Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability and willingness to speak in public.

● Excellent time management and project management skills.

● Expertise in using Word, Excel, PPT, internet browser, videoconferencing, etc.

● Experience in organizing public events is an asset.

● Experience in applying for grants and/or fundraising is an asset.

● Knowledge of and/or experience in a trauma-informed approach to program delivery is an asset.

● Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with drug use or mental health concerns (directly or indirectly) is a benefit.

● Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Considerations

● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.

● Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

● Flexibility to work evenings and weekends; there is no provision for overtime and the incumbent is free to organize his/her/their work schedule as necessary, with Program Managers approval.

● Willingness to undertake continuous education and training.

● Code of Conduct & Vulnerable sector check is mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

● $65,000 per year, plus benefits, with annual step increases.

● Reimbursement for work-related travel (excludes daily commuting).

● Cell phone provided or subsidized.

● Opportunities for professional development

To Apply

Please submit your résumé, cover letter and 3 references to bisn.manager@gmail.com by Feb 28th at 5pm.

We appreciate your interest in BISN. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.