Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Health Promotion & Wellness (FM103)

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief, Training, Communications and Special Projects, the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Health Promotion and Wellness plans, executes and leads a comprehensive total health promotion and injury/illness prevention program for London Fire Department (LFD) employees. As an integral member of the LFD management leadership team, the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Health Promotion and Wellness is a role model and champion in all areas of the fire department leading innovative program development and initiatives through expertise and influence to provide effective health and wellness programs and interventions that will effect positive health outcomes for LFD employees and their dependents.

A trusted and transformational leader with experience in fire suppression and as a fire professional, the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief builds strategic partnerships that will enhance health and wellness supports and develop a culture to improve and maintain high levels of safety and mental and physical health and wellness among LFD employees, in support of the LFD Master Plan.

The Assistant Deputy Fire Chief works collaboratively with Corporate Return to Work Services to promote early and safe return to work programs, and with external academic and health organizations to develop evidence-based programs and supports to reduce the impact of hazardous, environmental and individual stressors on the health of LFD employees.

This position will form part of the On-call Rotation assisting with operational needs and will be required to supervise and direct the work of LFD employees. Schedules may vary based on operational needs.

Work Performed:

• Oversee and direct the strategic planning, management, administration and response for total wellness programs for the LFD, developing and maintaining comprehensive policies, procedures and protocols.
• Provide advice to Deputy Fire Chief on strategic priorities with responsibility to operationalize those goals and strategies.
• Provide professional opinion, and information to Senior Leaders, Committees and Council on policies, programs and services.
• Assist with operational needs of the fire department in all divisions as required
• Lead and provide expertise in total wellness programs through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives specifically developed to address the physical health and mental well-being of LFD employees and their dependents to meet the LFD Master Plan.
• Collaborate with the LFD leadership team and engage in deep discussions to identify strategies to ensure support, integration, and understanding on the delivery of total health and wellness programs and to develop a culture of health and well-being that permeates all operational areas of the LFD.
• Identify and develop internal controls in the form of policies, procedures, practices in relation to the general and specific risks of the LFD; ensure internal controls are implemented and adhered to within the LFD.
• Develop effective strategic partnerships with research, medical and mental health institutions and agencies to partner in the implementation of research and strategies to support the unique physical and mental health concerns of LFD employees with a focus on advances in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),chronic physical health issues and alternative health initiatives.
• Lead employee-focused health and wellness initiatives, including program design, employee communications, and program administration including chairing and/or providing support to the corporate wellness committee, and the joint health and safety committee in action planning and execution.
• Conduct productivity analyses and metrics of employee health and wellbeing program initiatives including preparing quarterly/annual reports that summarize initiatives, and qualitative and quantitative outcomes.
• Ensure observance to LFD policies, procedures and guidelines, and alignment with the City of London People Plan in the development and delivery of physical and mental health and wellness programs to LFD employees.
• Develop strategies to identify and secure resources, including specialist resources to provide required specific mental and physical health services, supports and programs.
• Provide updates and information to the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs on priorities within a plan to address physical health and wellness of LFD employees with responsibility to operationalize identified goals and strategies.
• Provide input and manage the budget for health and wellness programs and services, prepare associated documents (i.e., business plans, business cases and presentation documents) as required. Ensure that expenditures are controlled and maintained; manage and promote stewardship of financial and organizational resources.
• Participate in and support a culture of enterprise-wide collaboration. Promote opportunities to work across the LFD and Corporate Service Areas in support of strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and ensure that policies, programs and protocols reflect this commitment.
• Identify, adapt and implement innovative and effective work practices and procedures to improve service delivery and the business responsibilities of the team. Provide direction, guidance, processes and tools needed to increase efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of services.
• Build capacity among employees for evidence-informed decisions supported through data collection and analytics and employee engagement.
• Champion commitment to Health & Safety legislation and programs; demonstrate commitment to the Corporation’s culture of safety.
• Implement proactive progressive change in redesign and implementation of business processes; support organizational change-management projects, communications, and transition plans.
• Develop, monitor, assess, and renew contracts for services, equipment and supplies in collaboration with Purchasing and Finance divisions, maintaining adherence to Corporate procurement policies.
• Liaise with respective unions on issues that affect bargaining unit employees. Promote and foster constructive working relationships with employees and bargaining units and monitor collective agreement compliance.
• Administer provisions of various collective agreements to promote resolution of grievances and provide representation at mediation and arbitration proceedings.
• Oversee the Apparatus and Stores Divisions, including the procurement, maintenance, and operational readiness of all department vehicles and equipment; provides strategic leadership for the Stores Division to ensure efficient inventory management and supply chain operations.
• Represent the City of London and Service Area in legal proceedings as required.
• Prepare responses to inquiries from elected officials, media and the public as requested by the Fire Chief.
• Represent the LFD on the various boards and committees of external organizations, associations and government partners to promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, build relationships, and recommend solutions.

Qualifications:

Experience in fire suppression, and an equivalent combination of education and experience that may include:

• A degree or diploma in Public Health, Health Promotion, Health Sciences, Social Work, or Fire Officer AND/OR
• Five to seven years of experience developing and implementing programs that support mental and physical health and wellness
• Fire Officer I and II (III and IV considered an asset)

Knowledge of related training and programming which may include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Resilience Training, and Safety Continuous Improvement Programs.
Experience leading employee engagement programs in a large organization.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND LICENCES:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) qualifications are recommended and an asset.
• Class “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence.
• A Criminal Reference Check will be required as a condition of employment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of and experience in the above identified areas of accountability with an understanding how the work of the area aligns with the objectives of the LFD.
• Demonstrated ability to co-create a vision for the LFD aligned with strategic priorities, build common purpose and direction, and deliver outcomes to strengthen overall organizational performance.
• Proven ability to establish purposeful relationships and work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, bargaining units, management, peers, employees, business community and the public.
• Demonstrated successful experience in leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives and projects that shape culture and enhance service delivery.
• Current and evolving knowledge of wellbeing approaches, global trends, issues, and leading practices in health promotion and health care programs for employees, including the design, development, and direction of related programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across the LFD and the organization; articulate strategy and different points of view; address individual perspectives when providing advice; and participate as an effective leader and team member.
• Demonstrated ability to account for the lived experience of employees in all divisions and the impact of the work on the physical, emotional and mental health of employees, and their family, in the development of effective health and wellness programs.
• Understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the impact of this condition on LFD employees.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement short-and long-term strategic objectives; effectively lead resources; and cultivate strong collaborative relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire the people they work with through productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions.
• Ability to be a trusted advisor and/or advocate in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing and escalating challenges and emergent issues, as required.

Compensation & Other Information:

$149,543 - $183,587.This posting is for 1 permanent, full-time position.

Standard hours of Work:

A shift rotation consisting of four 12-hour days, adding up to 42 hours weekly Work Arrangement: On site.

These hours of work are subject to change in accordance to business requirements.

Posting Close Date:

This posting will close July 23, 2025.