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SalaryNORTH LAMBTON COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Connector - Homeless Initiative (Contract til March 31 2025)
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POSITION SUMMARY
The Connector will work closely with various community services, social assistance programs, health promotion programs, and other Homelessness Initiatives in order to assist, and advocate for, under-housed populations in Sarnia Lambton and remove barriers to access housing.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Connector reports to the Quality & Chronic Disease Team Lead.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Social Service Worker College Diploma or related field, and/or long term working experience in this capacity an asset.
- Current registration with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario, and a member in good standing.
- Three to five years of experience working within a community setting an asset.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available in Sarnia- Lambton area.
- Experience working with community partners.
- Experience working with marginalized populations and the harm reduction approach to care is required.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interview and assess eligibility for support or service being requested.
- Obtain appropriate information/documentation in order to assess situation and determine appropriate course of action to ensure client is adequately housed.
- Maintain working knowledge of various income security programs and a working knowledge of community resources, social service agencies and government departments to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs.
- Continue to develop knowledge base/appropriate skills related to counselling practices, community support and integration, mental illness and life skills for case planning to move client towards increased self-sufficiency.
- Use communication skills to support clients through sensitive issues, i.e. life skills, mental health, homelessness, addictions, legal matters.
- Establish collaborative relationship with clients that provide support through coaching, mentoring, negotiating, intensive case management and utilization of non-violent crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics.
- Establish and maintain links and positive relationships with other community services agencies, health care providers and community partners; Specifically, those who focus on housing and homelessness.
- Refer clients to the appropriate social services or assist them in locating and utilizing the appropriate community resources (i.e., legal, medical, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services).
- Act as an agency liaison and advocate on behalf of clients who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, by connecting them to programs and services with a variety of community service providers, consumer groups, agencies and community partners.
- Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate programs and services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the duties listed in Schedule “A”, below, apply to each position funded by the NLCHC.
Schedule “A”
The incumbent is also responsible for:
- Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk
- Working in a manner that incorporates health promotion and recognizes the determinants of health
- Incorporating and strengthening collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork
- Respecting and valuing the diversity of communities and individuals
- Contributing to the Centre’s activities to collect, analyze and report on data and relevant information and participate in research
- Maintaining competence, and where applicable, a professional license to practice
- Supporting the Centre’s student and volunteer placement programs
- Promoting awareness of and participation in Centre activities
- Contributing to the Centre’s work by participating in meetings and committees
- Working during both regular and extended hours of operation in locations identified by the Centre
- Contributing to the Centre’s practices of hiring, orienting and training of staff
- Contributing to the Centre’s efforts to secure and maximize resources for current and new programs, services and activities
- Participating in the Centre’s efforts to enhance its capacity through staff development
Certain duties, organizational responsibilities and other requirements specific to the Connector position at the North Lambton Community Health Centre, are listed below.
SPECIFIC DUTIES/KEY FUNCTIONS
- Assist the Homelessness Initiative with various aspects of programming and program development.
- Develop and maintain records, reports and statistics necessary for program functioning, evaluation and funding.
- Act as a resource to, and advocate for individuals, groups, and the community.
- Participate in program meetings, staff education and act as a resource for other staff.
- Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to assist homeless clients with emerging identified needs.
- Represents NLCHC on various external committees related to this position.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Engage in regular dialogue with the Health Promotion Team Lead and the Quality & Chronic Disease Team Lead, together with an annual job performance evaluation.
- Participate in team and staff meetings on a regular basis.
- Participate in Centre special events as required.
- Contribute to the development of, and adhere to, the Centre’s protocols, policies, procedures and strategic plan.
- Comply with federal and provincial legislation enacted to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the client’s personal health information.
- Comply with other mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to the Centre (such as occupational health and safety, standards of professional conduct, employment standards).
- Maintain and develop competence through appropriate continuing education (i.e., conferences, courses).
- Network with staff from AOHC and other Community Health Centres to acquire and maintain awareness of Ministry requirements, and CHC responses.
- Ensure the physical resources, materials and property of the Centre are adequately protected, utilizing the provided security measures at both sites.
- Committed to data integrity and data quality; Ensures data quality by documenting in a timely manner and participating in all data quality training and initiatives.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Excellent oral communication, written and interpersonal skills to respond to requests by letter, telephone, fax, email and in-person adhering to corporate standards in a professional manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to, and knowledge of, community participation and community-based health care.
- Proven communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Must be prepared to work flexible hours, including evenings, and work at multiple sites.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This is a contract position, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility.
- Hospital of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) is available
- May be required to work at other sites (Forest, Watford, and Kettle Point)
Please direct any questions to Robin Page, Finance Team Lead 519-786-4545 x253
