Director, Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health

at  Somerset West Community Health Centre

Position Title: Director, Supportive Housing and Substance Use Health
Classification: Program Director
Job Type: Regular, Full Time Employee (35 hrs/week)
Department: Family & Community Health and Harm Reduction.
Pay Band: $100, 846 – $118, 736 annually
Benefits: Excellent benefits package including Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Reporting to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025

ABOUT US:

We are Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), a non-profit, community-governed organization that serves over 18,000 clients annually. Established in 1978, SWCHC provides a wide range of health care services such as primary health care, health promotion, community development, mental health, and harm reduction. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve and committed to removing barriers to accessing services for people who experience vulnerabilities because of their age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, and language or culture.
SWCHC strives to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve. We work within an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework that acknowledges the existence and impacts of systemic racism and seeks to ensure that systems are fair and equitable for everyone.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Director will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of the HART (Homeless Addictions and Recovery Treatment) Hub, a 24/7 community-centered initiative designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed health, housing, and social supports for individuals facing complex challenges related to substance use, homelessness, and mental health. This role involves strategic leadership, partnership development, program operations, and resource management to ensure high-quality, culturally responsive care. The Program Director will work collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including health and housing providers, to drive innovation and ensure services align with anti-oppression and equity principles. They will also play a key role in monitoring program outcomes, managing community and partner relations, and fostering a compassionate, persone-centered approach.
As a member of the senior leadership team, the Program Director contributes to fostering an organizational culture aligned with SWCHC’s vision and values. The leader is a role model that ensures transparent decision-making, accountability, and effective communication across the organization and within the community. They lead and support strategic initiatives, and act as an executive sponsor for their development while contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration and organizational planning efforts.
The role involves building strong partnerships with funders and community organizations, managing funding requests, and ensuring financial sustainability. Additionally, the Program Director stays informed on community needs and system developments to inform strategic direction and support SWCHC’s operational success.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in public health, social work, health administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 7-10 years of leadership experience in community health, housing, mental health, addictions, or social services.
• Demonstrated successful experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in addressing complex needs (e.g., substance use, homelessness, and mental health).

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• In-depth understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive care principles.
• Strong knowledge of equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression frameworks and their application in service delivery.
• Exceptional oral, written and persuasive communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and consensus.
• Ability to navigate complex systems, including public health, housing, and municipal services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings or weekends, as needed.
• Familiarity with the Ottawa context and the social determinants impacting vulnerable populations is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) or proficiency in other languages commonly spoken by clients (an asset).

Please refer the Job description for details