Bring your specialized knowledge and experience to this key educational role
Salary: $72,095.17 – 82,478.97 annually
The focus of the Learning Modernization Project is the movement to increasingly personalized learning, which is enabled and supported by quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, and high standards. This includes the redesign of: provincial curriculum, assessment, reporting, and graduation requirements. Transforming Education’s core business affects every student, parent, teacher, administrator and Education partner organization in the province.
As the Chief Psychometrician you would be planning, implementing, managing and monitoring all psychometric and technical requirements of BC’s large-scale assessment programs; ensuring the accuracy of data; collaborating with program managers and test developers to support the program with routine psychometric services; suggesting and leading additional research studies to strengthen the program; working closely with content experts to improve and expand current assessments; participating in the design and development of new assessments; writing technical reports and other documentation; participating in design of internal research and test development processes/systems; writing research reports, and making presentations at various sessions.
Qualifications for this role include:
Graduate degree in educational measurement, psychometrics, statistics or a related field, plus a minimum of three years’ experience working on large-scale testing programs.
Experience with analysis, interpretation and results reporting of large scale testing programs.
Must have experience in IRT-based scoring methods, test form equating, standard setting and validity studies.
Experience in supporting content specialists in their work of test development.
Must have experience in handling last data sets and a demonstrable experience in large scale data analysis.
Experience utilizing psychometric methods, statistical procedures and application of classical test theory and item response theory.
To learn more, including how to apply online, please visit:
Comic takes kid-centred approach to underscore importance of immunization
OTTAWA, CANADA – Alien invaders descend on a world while defensive forces mobilize to battle the intruders… is this the plot from an upcoming blockbuster movie or a creative approach to science education? These scenes are from a new online comic, Immunity Warriors: Invasion of the Alien Zombies, created to educate elementary school students about the immune system and the role of immunization in defending against illness.
Conceived by Dr. Kumanan Wilson, a physician, researcher and comic book fan, Invasion of the Alien Zombies approaches immunization education from a child’s perspective.
Following an executive search, screening and interview process at the end of 2016, the Public Health Association of BC is pleased to announce its successful recruitment of Shannon Turner, BA, BSc, MSc, PhD (c) to our Executive Director position. Shannon has more than thirty years of experience in public health practice, healthy public policy, health promotion, program and project management, strategic planning, health informatics, quality assurance, risk management, logistics and accounting as well as conducting research on digital communication and citizen engagement. Aside from her extensive academic credentials Shannon brings a wide range of experience from both the public and private sector.
Shannon has worked across the continuum of health services in acute, long term and primary care organizations. Prior to undertaking doctoral studies, Shannon served as Director of Public Health for Vancouver Island Health Authority. With a background in international health Shannon has served as a consultant, facilitating a multi county meeting in Africa and led a health promotion speaking tour in Sweden and Latvia. She has served the World Health Organization Global Violence Prevention Alliance for the past decade as National Co-chair of Prevention of Violence Canada.
Many of you will know Shannon for her years of service as an advocate for public health at the regional, provincial and national levels. The University of Hawaii named Shannon to the Delta Omega Society for outstanding contribution to public health. In 2008, she was awarded the James M. Robinson Award (UBC Public Health) for her significant contributions to public health. In 2009, she was presented with the President’s Award by the Public Health Association of BC for her work in rebuilding and renewing the association.
Shannon brings an abundance of knowledge, vision and commitment to our organization and we expect the organization to thrive under her experienced leadership and collaborative stewardship.
Please join us in welcoming Shannon into this new role.
Paola Ardiles
President, PHABC
*Photo caption: Dr. Irv Rootman and Shannon Turner at the celebration of his Honourary Doctorate ceremony at the University of Victoria.
We are changing the Earth’s ecosystems in profound ways that will end up harming us. So we face the challenge of transforming our society to live within the constraints of the one small planet that is our home. We will need to reduce our ecological footprint by 75–80 percent to the equivalent of one planet’s worth of consumption and waste production, while maintaining a long life in good health for all our citizens. This will mean changing everything we do!
In the face of this important challenge, a group of UVic faculty and community organisations are organising this series of Community Conversations to explore some key issues and the challenge of how to get to a One Planet way of life. We believe this will be of interest to community associations, environmental and social justice groups, local governments, faith organizations, green businesses, urban planners and architects, the arts and culture community, health professionals and many others.
We hope you will join community and academic presenters in this series of free events exploring the challenge, culminating in a UVic IdeaFest event on March 11th.
Community Conversations’ at the Bateman Centre, 5 – 7 PM
Monday Jan 23rd
Introduction, overview of the initiative:
• The Anthropocene, the One Planet Region and the Happy Planet Index
• Trevor Hancock, School of Public Health and Social Policy, UVic
• Measuring Victoria’s Ecological Footprint
• Jennie Moore, BCIT. Jennie’s PhD was on the ecological footprint of Vancouver, and she is working on the ecological footprint for Victoria.
Monday Jan 30th
• A Conversation on Indigenous views of the One Planet region
• Nick Claxton and colleagues. Nick is an Instructor with the Faculty of Education and is Tsawout Band & WSÁNEĆ Nation Indigenous Academic Advisor/ Coordinator
Monday Feb 6th
• A Conversation on renewable energy systems for a One Planet region
Presentation by Tom Hackney, Policy Director, Victoria chapter of BCSEA (BC Sustainable Energy Association) with interactive discussion facilitated by climate social scientist Jan Inglis
Monday Feb 13th
• A Conversation on transportation systems and urban development patterns for a One Planet region
• Led by Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute
Wednesday Feb 22nd
• A Conversation on a food system for a One Planet region
• Led by Jeremy Caradonna, Adjunct Professor, Environmental Studies, UVic with support from CRFAIR (Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable)
Saturday March 11th, 2 – 4 PM, New Horizons, James Bay – IdeaFest event
• The Anthropocene is here! Living well in a ‘One Planet’ region
The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to announce the launching of an innovative smoking cessation program in partnership with the Running Room – Run to Quit.
What is Run to Quit?
Run to Quit is an effective program that coaches tobacco users on how to get active AND quit smoking. Participants are supported by a Quit Coach through a gradual 10-week Learn-to-Run clinic in combination with evidence-based smoking cessation strategies.
Run to Quit is offered in three formats:
Do It Yourself: Online program available anytime, anywhere
In-person: Training program at select Running Room locations in Spring 2017
Virtual: Online training program available in Winter and Spring. The next Virtual program starts in January 2017!
Why promote Run to Quit?
Because it works! Run to Quit participants are 7x more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who try to quit cold turkey. Exercise reduces cravings, helps manage withdrawal symptoms and inspires people to be healthier.
Most smokers want to quit. Run to Quit offers a unique approach to smoking cessation that helps participants stay motivated as they build new skills and establish behaviours to maintain long-term health goals. Run to Quit participants can reduce two key risk factors responsible for poor health: tobacco use and physical inactivity.
Run to Quit is suitable for non-runners and people with any fitness level. Non-smokers are invited to support someone who is participating in the program. By choosing to champion Run to Quit you are helping people access proven quit smoking resources.
How to Promote Run to Quit
If you are interested in spreading the word about Run to Quit to your Clients and network, please contact me to learn more about the program and discuss the ready–made promotional tools available, including on-site presentations, customized resources and digital files. With your support, a person’s quit journey can be easier and with a greater chance of success. More information about Run to Quit can be found on the website: runtoquit.com.
The Port Alberni Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, a non-profit organization with an operating budget of over $1.3 million and a staff of approximately 28 unionized and non-unionized employees is seeking an Executive Director. The Branch is an independent society acting within a federated model. The branch operates its planning within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible to provide effective leadership for the direct oversight of branch programs and services, to develop respectful community and funder relationships and to provide professional advice to the Board of Directors to develop and implement the Strategic and Operational Plans, and in addition, participates in the day-to-day operations and programs of the Branch.
Anticipated Start Date: March 13, 2017
Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Planning and Management:
Administer the day-to-day operation of the organization including operational policy and procedures.
Set organizational, management, program and service goals and identify resources required to achieve the organization’s mission, reflecting the priorities of the Board.
Financial Management and Fundraising:
Prepare, implement and monitor a comprehensive budget under the oversight of the Board Finance Committee.
Identify program resource requirements, research funding, write proposals and grants and oversee fundraising. Evaluate and communicate the risk and liability of a project, proposal or strategy to the Board.
Leadership:
Actively lead the organization allowing cohesion with the National organization, the BC Division, and other branches to build and strengthen the organization’s response to community needs and promote mental health for all.
Community Relations and Capacity Building:
Promote community awareness of CMHA and establish collaborative partnerships with community members, funders, politicians, community groups and other organizations to understand and implement changing community needs.
Human Resources Planning and Management:
Direct branch operations by maintaining and developing, human resources practices and policies aimed at sustaining qualified, effective, and motivated staff and volunteers.
Hire, train, supervise, evaluate and release staff as required.
Ensure a timely performance appraisal process for staff and self.
Attend all board meetings and committee meetings as required and act as a consultant to the Board and its committees.
Qualifications and Experience:
Degree in Social Sciences, Health, or a related field with equivalent experience.
Possess strong financial analysis skills with budgeting and strategic planning experience.
Have a minimum of 5 years progressive management experience in a non-profit or related organization.
Experience in the mental health field, responding to individuals and families who face mental illness, working with and interpreting the Mental Health Act.
Experience managing in a union environment.
Knowledge of:
Leadership and management principles applicable to non-profit organizations.
The work of the Mental Health Commission and other mental health advocacy groups.
Federal and provincial legislation that is applicable to non-profit organizations.
Essential Characteristics:
Understanding of ethical behavior and business practices, and ability to assure that own behavior and that of others is consistent with these standards.
Commitment to the development and maintenance of positive relationships with the Board, staff, clients, volunteers, and the community.
Ability to mitigate risk and ensure agency compliance with contractual obligations.
Ability to organize and set priorities under pressures of deadlines and competing requirements
The Executive Director will have demonstrated competencies in the following areas:
Leadership:
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, leadership, presentation, problem-solving and networking skills.
A commitment to ongoing professional development, embracing recovery-oriented practices for self and staff.
Decision-Making: Demonstrate clear and strategic thinking skills to achieve clear and timely decisions that are in the best interests of the organization and community which may involve restructuring.
Planning: Strategic planning, goal setting and action planning that continue to move the organization and community forward.
Creativity and Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve the organization and to create new opportunities to serve the community.
Effective Communication: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
Technical Skills:
Knowledge of accounting principles, practices and applications
Knowledge of budget preparation and analysis techniques.
Advanced knowledge of MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Able to read, understand and apply regulatory information including but not limited to BC Income Assistance and Disability Act and Regulations, BC Labor Standards, BC Landlord/Tenancy Act, BC College of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
First Aid, Non Violent Crisis Intervention and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
Working Conditions:
This is a management position and is not subject to regular overtime policies. Work is performed based on the demands of the job, which may include some evenings and weekends. Some travel is required. This is a full-time permanent position subject to a six-month probationary period.
Application Process:
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter clearly documenting how you satisfy the requirements outlined in this job posting to human.resources@cmha.bc.ca by 5 p.m., January 27, 2017. Attachments should be in MS Word or PDF format, and “Executive Director Competition” indicated in the subject line of your e-mail.
CMHA – Port Alberni is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities, First Nations individuals, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversity of the Branch.
