Care Coordinator

Salary: $25.03/hour (~$45,555 annual)

The Care Coordinator, reporting to the Health Program Manager, is based in Barrie, Ontario within the Gilbert Centre. The position provides support, referrals, case management, and system navigation for people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and those living with or at risk of HCV. This role is essential for engaging and supporting systemically marginalized communities, including the 2S-LGBTQ+, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The Care Coordinator will work to ensure that these populations receive the necessary support and resources, bridging the gap between harm reduction services and sexual health supports in Simcoe Muskoka.

The Gilbert Centre is a registered, not-for-profit, charitable organization that was incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. The mandate of the Centre has broadened to not only support people at risk of, living with, and affected by HIV, HCV, and other STBBIs, but to also support and celebrate the lives of the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities in our regions. Gilbert Centre covers a large catchment area encompassing a significant geographic territory with a mix of small and mid-sized urban environments and rural settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide case management for individuals consisting of People living with HIV/AIDS (PHA), HCV, and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs), and People who use Drugs (PWUD), services include intake, assessment, lay counselling, documentation, information and referrals, arranging and/or providing transportation and appointment supports, record keeping, compilation of statistics, and follow-up.
• Assess the needs of clients received from the community, counselling, advising and/or referring to other services, agencies or programs and developing strategies for each.
• Arrange and deliver workshops for program participants and their support systems through various mediums (live workshops, virtual workshops, self-guided recordings, etc.).
• Facilitate supportive transition through a continuum of care, including collaboration with colleagues, providing HIV, HCV, and STBBI point of care tests, promoting pathways to PrEP and PEP, and maintaining strong working relationship with health care providers that provide HIV, HCV, STBBI, and trans or gender diverse related health care.
• Engage various professional development, collaboration, networking, and relationship building with relevant campaigns and networks, such as the Positive Leadership Development Institute, the Women HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Ontario AIDS Network, Gay Mens Sexual Health Alliance, etc.
• Provide in-person and online outreach through various digital and traditional platforms that promote the health of diverse communities for those living with and affected by HIV, HCV, and other STBBIs.
• Distribute safer sex supplies, information, and resources across Simcoe County and Muskoka.
• Maintain, contribute to, and utilize a referral list for individuals to access safe external resources such as mental health professionals in the area.
• Assist with planning World AIDS Day event(s), the Red Scarf Campaign, and other HIV & HCV related community events.
• Embody, support, and engage with GIPA/MEPA principles and activities.
• Utilize various funder reporting tools (i.e. OCHART/OCASE/TREAT) in accordance with program tracking and evaluation measures, and prepare relevant reports as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate program activities with the community and makes recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.
• Meet regularly with program staff to facilitate and maintain effective working relationships.
• Contribute to the atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre through interacting with participants, Ambassadors, volunteers, and participates in community programming activities when available.
• Collaborate with Gilbert Centre management and staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centres programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events.
• Other administrative and operational duties and responsibilities as required.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, health promotion, social work, adult education, or any related field) and/or the equivalent combination of lived, education, and work experience.
• Ideal candidates will have one to two years experience working in paid or unpaid positions in community-based settings providing case management to the populations we support.
• Valid drivers license, with 3 years Drivers Abstract and willingness to travel throughout Simcoe/Muskoka for work related duties are required.
• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)*
  
• Previous outreach experience with unhoused communities is an asset.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the health issues of a diverse community and experience working with disenfranchised populations (including but not limited to PWUD, those employed in sex work, the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and for people living with HIV and/or HCV) and a personal comfort discussing sex and sexual health related topics.
• Demonstrated commitment to community development, engagement, and accountability practices is required.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency, including opioid overdose is required
• Ability to work independently on a flexible schedule, and collaboratively - within and across teams is required.
• Excellent computer skills, with the ability to use a variety of software (Microsoft 365 products, SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom, social media platforms, etc.)
• Commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-oppression principles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in English with French is an asset.
  
• Strong interpersonal, decision making, conflict management, critical thinking and organizational skills are required.
• Ability to have open and non-judgmental conversation about drug-use is required.
• Relevant knowledge and experience of harm reduction principles and strategies, in addition to structural understanding of how systems and policy impact the lived/living experiences of the people we serve is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Walk up 3-5 km per shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.
• Stand for extended periods.
• Frequent wearing of a backpack with up to 20 lbs while providing walking outreach for extended periods.
• Frequent computer use

Additional Information:

• 35 hours per week
• $25.03/hour or $45,554.60 pro-rated annual salary
• This position is eligible for employee health benefits after three months.
• Union: CUPE local 1813.14

The Gilbert Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the community in which we live. To this end, we encourage applications from persons with lived experience with drug use, sex work, homelessness, street involvement; those living with HIV/HCV; members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Indigenous peoples, members of diverse ethno-cultural communities, and persons with dis/abilities.

*** Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) Statement***

The Gilbert Centre values hiring people with lived experience, including those who have been criminalized. We know that VSC requirements can be a barrier to work, and this is a requirement of the systems we work within. This does not align with our harm reduction and justice-informed values. Applicants with a positive result in their VSC will not be automatically rejected from the recruitment process, rather a conversation will be explored as appropriate.

How to Apply:

Apply through BambooHR and attach your cover letter and resume. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Rebecca Pongracz, Health Program Manager, at . Internal applications will be reviewed in accordance with our collective agreement. The position will remain active until filled. If there are no internal applicants, we will begin reviewing external applications. Please also let us know which pronouns you would like us to use when corresponding with you, directly and within the Gilbert Centre.