The Working Mind Facilitator Certification Training (TWM FCT) is a skills and competencies-based training designed to prepare selected candidates to meet the certification requirements to deliver The Working Mind (TWM) course in a virtual or in-person classroom setting.
TWM facilitators support the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)’s efforts to change the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians towards mental health and play a vital role in equipping people to support the well-being of their families, friends and community.
Designed by the MHCC in collaboration with Training & Delivery Specialists and an advisory group of Lead Facilitators, this blended training program features self-paced online components as well as facilitator-led virtual classrooms.
The goal of TWM FCT is to enable participants to:
- Become familiar with the MHCC’s mandate and programs
- Apply adult learning principles and facilitation strategies
- Practice facilitating TWM course topics in a virtual classroom
- Prepare to give/receive helpful feedback
- Prepare to address the course administration and logistical requirements of TWM facilitators
Minimum requirements:
To be eligible to participate in this program, candidates must demonstrate these minimum requirements:
- Experience supporting mental health and well-being at work or in the community
- Ability to lead group discussions for groups of 8 or more
- Ability to facilitate a minimum number of courses on a yearly basis (as outlined in the “Facilitator Contract”) and a commitment to meeting this requirement.
Asset: Training/facilitation on topics related to mental health and/or substance use
What to expect
TWM FCT program consists of five sessions focused on the five key skills and competencies of TWM facilitators. These skills are developed through group discussions, practical exercises, and practice sessions. Participants receive feedback and coaching along the way in preparation for the final assessment which includes a practical assessment and a written assessment. These virtual sessions are delivered through a week-long program in addition to pre-training and post-training components which must be completed in the specified order.
Topics covered in each session:
Session 1: Prepare to facilitate (self-paced) prepares participants to represent MHCC in the field and provides information and guidance for preparing to facilitate the course curriculum.
Session 2: Create a welcoming and safe learning environment addresses the strategies for building rapport with learners and helping them feel safe in the classroom.
Session 3: Engage participants and foster learning addresses the strategies associated with adult learning principles to help learners focus their attention and take an active role in learning.
Session 4: Assess learning and give/receive feedback introduces strategies to assess learning in the classroom and give/receive helpful feedback.
Session 5: Adhere to logistical and administrative requirements outlines the operational policies, procedures, and administrative and logistical requirements of facilitators.
Each session contains:
- Virtual classrooms led by an experienced Lead Facilitator and/or Training & Delivery Specialist in mental health training (with the exception of session 1 self-paced component).
- Interactive workbook activities and small group discussions
- Hands-on practice facilitating TWM course topics
- Review quizzes
- Peer feedback and coaching from the Lead Facilitator
