Communications and Team Member Engagement Specialist

Communications and Team Member Engagement Specialist

job title: Communications and Team Member Engagement Specialist

job ID #: DETOHT CS 25-0430

department: Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team

reports to: Executive Director, DET OHT

salary range: $33.25 – $42.25 per hour

status: (Non-Union) Full-Time, One year contract with possibility of extension

hours: 37.5 hours per week

Vacancy: 1

background:

The Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (DET OHT) is a group of 43 health and social service provider organizations (Team Members) who have deep roots in the community and is committed to creating an integrated system of care. The vision of the DET OHT is to provide our community with seamless access to inclusive, high quality, and responsive care through one connected system of diverse providers and community members who enthusiastically embody holistic approaches to improving population and individual health and well‑being.

In Fall of 2022, Team Members have approved the Strategic Plan , which lays out the strategic priorities for 2023‑2025. The DET OHT’s work is centered on key principles to bring this vision forward including: Client and Family Centered Care; Health Equity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Transparent Collaboration; Quality Improvement; and Responsive Leadership.

The work of the Downtown East Toronto OHT includes focused initiatives and planning to improve care for our attributed population by ensuring community members are meaningfully part of all of our work, co‑designing change ideas, developing digital solutions, managing privacy and information management, strengthening governance, supporting performance and quality improvement, and developing a strategy for the OHT.

about the role:

The Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (DET OHT) is a collaboration of 43 organizations who provide services to clients living in the Downtown East Toronto area. The purpose of the OHT is to provide an integrated health system by coordinating the care and services for patients/clients and their families/caregivers across multiple settings. The vision of the DET OHT is to provide our community with seamless access to inclusive, inspired and responsive care through one connected system of diverse providers who enthusiastically embody holistic approaches to improving population and individual health and wellbeing.

The Communications working group of the DET OHT is responsible for building trust and credibility with members and the community, providing communications advice amongst member organizations to support information sharing and engagement, and developing tools and processes that support effective and inclusive communication amongst DET OHT working groups, members and with the community.

Scope of the Mandate

The Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role in enhancing storytelling, strategic communications, and stakeholder and Team Member engagement for the Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (DET OHT). This position is hosted by Sherbourne Health Centre and reports directly to the Executive Director, while closely collaborating with project managers to develop and implement communication strategies that elevate the OHT’s brand and presence within the community.

we believe in work‑life balance and offer:

• Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).


• Up to four weeks of vacation per year (to start).


• Up to four personal days per year.


• An extended healthcare and dental package.


• Life insurance.


• An employee assistance plan.


• A generous professional development plan: up to $1,300 to be used towards learning activities.


• Up to six fully paid professional development days per year – related to position/responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Strategic Communication: Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans, aligning messaging with the DET OHT’s vision and mission to increase visibility and community engagement.


• Content Creation: Craft compelling narratives and multimedia content to promote partnerships, services, and community stories, including newsletters, press releases, and digital media assets.


• Healthcare Service Promotion: Develop compelling content that highlights DET OHT healthcare services, partnerships, and community programs.


• Newsletter and Digital Media Management: Manage the DET OHT monthly newsletter, website content, social media, and internal communications tools.


• Member Engagement Strategies: Develop and execute member engagement strategies to increase participation and satisfaction.


• Member Communication Management: Manage member communications, including newsletters, emails, and social media updates.


• Event and Program Coordination: Organize events and programs that encourage member involvement and networking.


• Feedback and Analysis: Conduct surveys and gather feedback to assess member needs and interests.


• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance the member experience.


• Metric Analysis: Analyze engagement metrics and prepare reports to inform strategy adjustments.


• Media Relations Support: Support media relations efforts, including drafting press releases and coordinating interviews.


• Brand and Social Media Strategy: Assist in the development of a cohesive visual brand identity and social media strategy.


• Multimedia Content Design: Use photography, infographics, and digital tools to design and distribute multimedia content.


• Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support the communications strategy.


• Internal Communications: Develop strategies to enhance internal communication and foster a cohesive team culture within the OHT.


• Digital Presence: Manage the OHT’s digital presence through website updates, social media strategy, and online community engagement.


• Project Support: Assist project teams in developing clear and consistent communication materials, including reports and presentations.


• Working Group Management: Lead and support the Communications Working Group, guiding efforts to align communication strategies with organizational objectives.


• Additional Duties: Perform additional duties as required by the Managers and Operations Team.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need

education, experience:

• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in public relations, communications, or journalism.


• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a communications role.


• Demonstrated excellence in storytelling, interviewing, and content development.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively in a complex healthcare system.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and navigate complex stakeholder environments.


• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in public relations, communications, or journalism.

Knowledge, expertise and additional skills:

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, preferably within the healthcare or non‑profit sector.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with a proven ability to craft clear, impactful messaging.


• Proficiency in digital communication tools, including content management systems (CMS), WordPress, and social media platforms.


• Familiarity and basic knowledge of photography and multimedia design tools


• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.


• Experience working with diverse community stakeholders and fostering collaborative environments.


• Knowledge of media relations and crisis communication best practices.


• Familiarity with the health sector and integrated care models is an asset.


• Experience with developing brand identity and social media strategies.


• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and achieve results when outcomes are not clear.

conditions of employment:

• Offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of background checks i.e., professional references, education verification, criminal background check, and vulnerable sector check.


• Understands and works within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation.


• Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others (staff, patients, families, etc.) by taking all reasonable precautions and working in compliance with SHC related policies, health and safety legislation and best practices.

working conditions:

The standard work week is 37.5 hours. Generally, they will work Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, however, work is occasionally required outside the normal daily routine.

The position requires diplomacy in dealing with many stakeholders and partners, considerable multi‑tasking, setting priorities as needed, and a comfort in working with clients who may present in crisis and be agitated or threatening at times.

to apply:

Please forward a cover letter and resume (saved as one document) Job ID# DETOHT CS 25-0430 to myjob@sherbourne.on.ca by 5:00 pm on May 31, 2025.

The organization is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.