The Niagara Falls Community Health Centre (NFCHC) is a non-profit, community-governed organization dedicated to providing accessible, comprehensive health services at no cost to residents of Niagara Falls. NFCHC offers a wide range of programs including primary care, dental services, mental health counseling, nutrition guidance, occupational therapy, and specialized support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, and newcomers. The Centre emphasizes health promotion and community development through free workshops and outreach initiatives designed to address social determinants of health. With a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, NFCHC is committed to empowering individuals and fostering a healthier, more connected community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Population Health Manager, this System Navigator works with individuals across the life span with a particular focus on the development and execution of Black Health initiatives and serving refugees, asylum seekers, new Canadians and the uninsured. Use and Afrocentric lens to engage and support this population to access the multi-disciplinary services through NFCHC to maintain optimum client physical, social, and mental well-being. As well as collaborating with internal centre partners, the role participates and leads community groups and develops partnerships with community resources to further meet the needs of clientele.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a relevant college or university program in social work, counseling or other social science or health-related discipline
• Several years’ experience in a community based social service setting providing services to those with settlement needs
• Knowledge and understanding of Afrocentricity to a goal to develop grass roots initiatives in the Black community
• Passion for immigrant and refugee issues
• Knowledge of community resources that promote integration of newcomers
• Experience in assessment and brief intervention counseling
• Experience in safety planning and crisis intervention
• Knowledgeable of trauma informed care concepts and practices
• Prior experience developing groups and services to meet the needs of a diverse range of clientele
• Maintaining an understanding of the health issues of the community to provide appropriate services
• Group facilitation experience to a variety of populations on a variety of topics /life skills
• Proven ability to provide compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental and culturally competent care to the disenfranchised and primary populations
• Demonstrated communication, time management, problem solving and organizational skills
• Previous experience establishing collaborative working relationships with a multi-disciplinary team, clients and community service providers
• Ability to problem-solve and apply sound judgment
• Knowledgeable of confidentiality and privacy practices specifically the Personal Health Information Protection Act
• Proficiency in the use of computer software/electronic medical record
• Ability to communicate in a second language is considered a strong asset

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference may be given to applicants who identify as Francophone and/or Indigenous, in alignment with funding requirements that support the recruitment of underrepresented groups in healthcare. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Visiting clients in various community settings
• Some expectation of dissatisfied clients
• Periods of sitting and working at computer

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with grass roots initiatives to promote and sustain a Black Health Initiative in the Niagara Falls community
• Assist client social connection and guide them to resources relating to economic, social, cultural, educational, recreational and other services that contribute to health and wellbeing
• Assist clients to meet identified needs including other social services including legal, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care, and other services.
• Identify programs and resources needed to support outreach activities by developing and maintaining informal and formal community networks
• Work with uninsured clients to assist with navigating the healthcare system
• Implement life skills workshops and other community and social programs in collaboration with other members of the NFCHC and/or external partners appropriate for newcomers
• Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team which assists with the development, analysis and implementation of client programming and services to deliver client-centered and culturally appropriate care
• Provide point of care in various community settings, this could include providing home visits while maintaining the safety of the employee at all times
• Develop a community development strategy targeting other organizations and community services to keep informed of changing trends in employment, health, education and social services
• Work in a manner that demonstrates commitment to NFCHC mission, vision, and values; contributes to the Centre’s strategic goals and objectives and values the equality and diversity of the client community and NFCHC staff
• Participating in professional development opportunities as identified in the performance management process
• Adhering to the expectations of NFCHC policies and procedures and operating procedures
• Documenting, recording and reporting on outreach activities in an accurate and timely manner
• Working in a safe manner as per relevant health and safety legislation and NFCHC policies
• Any other reasonable duties as required