JOB TITLE: Community Health Navigator (Transitions in Care)

PROGRAM AREA: Integrated Programs

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 5 Month Contract (with potential for extension)

HOURS/WEEK: 35 hours

Our Vision

A community without barriers to health and wellbeing.

Our Mission

We reduce health inequities by providing interprofessional primary health services and community programs, focused on the populations we prioritize, in collaboration with community partners.

Our Values

Innovation, Accountability, Person-Centred, Health Promotion, Excellence, Sustainability, Accessibility

Guelph Community Health Centre prioritizes people who face barriers to health and accessing services, and people who identify as:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Living on low income
• Newcomers to Canada with language barriers
• Having moderate to severe mental health and/or addiction issues
• Having moderate to severe disabilities
• Indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis
• Black, mixed race and racialized populations
• Experiencing intersectional oppression
• 2SLGBTQIA+
• Vulnerable children and their families experiencing conflict, isolation or attachment struggles

Transitions in Care is a pilot program funded through the Ministry of the Solicitor General in partnership with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) and the Alliance for Healthier Communities (the Alliance) aimed at improving access to healthcare for people returning to the community from incarceration. Additionally, the program seeks to redress the overrepresentation of indigenous and black peoples in incarcerated populations by supporting access to culturally appropriate primary health care.

The Community Health Navigator has a university degree or college diploma in a Social Work or other relevant discipline, or an appropriate combination of education and experience. You have familiarity with criminal legal process, particularly as pertains to marginalized individuals. You have a strong knowledge of harm reduction philosophies and practices and have a passion for providing care to individuals using substances. You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong ability to work with and build positive rapport with marginalized individuals including those who are street involved, actively using substances, and who struggle with mental health issues. You are able to work independently with minimal direction, work under pressure, problem-solve, take initiative and meet the needs of the client. You understand Indigenous Cultural Safety principles and trauma-informed care are able to problem solve, multitask and take initiative. You understand and are committed to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Guelph CHC.

Core Responsibilities

• Receive and process referrals from Maplehurst Correctional Complex
• Deliver services including engagement, systems navigation, advocacy, coaching, and referrals to incarcerated and recently incarcerated individuals.
• Follow clients through referral process and coach clients as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with staff at Maplehurst involved in the Transitions in Care Program, Community Health Navigators from other regions, and CHCs/AHACs in other regions.
• Attend bi-weekly meetings virtually with Community Health Navigators from other pilot regions and Program Leads.
• Attend monthly Community of Practice meetings virtually with Community Health Navigators, Institutional Health representatives and Program Leads.
• Arrange visits and travel at regular intervals to Maplehurst Correctional Complex to meet with incarcerated clients.
• Update and submit weekly reports to Program Leads through IPHCC and the Alliance.
• Other projects related to the Transitions in Care program as they arise.

Required Qualifications:

• University Degree or Diploma in Social Work or relevant discipline, or combination of education and experience
  
• Experience within a similar department or community-based organization
  
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective time management, decision making and organizational skills
• A good team member and supportive of interdisciplinary practice.
• High level of confidentiality
• Flexible towards change
• Emergency First Aid and CPR certified

Please visit our website at www.guelphchc.ca and apply using the online application tool.

Guelph Community Health Centre is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including individuals from priority populations who may identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities.

We thank, in advance, those who apply, but will contact only those who qualify for interviews.

If at any stage in the selection process you require accommodation, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.
We require that all finalist applicants undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screen through their local Police Services Branch prior to start date.