Health Navigator

Employment Type: Full-time (12 months contract)
Department: Shelter and Respite Services
Union: Included (CUPE Local 2497)
Salary: Level 3 - $29/hr
File #: 25-SRS-09 (1 OPEN)
Posting Date: July 09, 2023
Posting Close: July 23, 2025

The Health Navigator will be required to work Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Position Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor, Shelter and Respite Services, the Health Navigator works proactively and responsively with Clients, the staff teams and Medical Support Teams to provide case management assistance to residents at Dixon Hall’s Emergency Shelter Programs.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with on-site doctor and ancillary medical supports provide basic administration using an electronic medical record (EMR) system, including booking appointments and completing required follow-ups. 
• Assist clients to navigate the healthcare system and facilitate referrals to community resources, primary healthcare, and/or specialized supports based on resident’s goals and choices. 
• Provide on-to-one support and basic case planning to help clients develop strategies to achieve and maintain their quality of life. 
• Support the principles of Harm Reduction when working with individuals and communities throughout the agency. 
• Perform all functions of the job using the case management model. 
• Commit to supporting access to the Social Determinants of Health for the communities and individuals you encounter through the course of your work. 
• Educate individuals and communities around the work Dixon Hall does in promoting access to and elaboration of the Social Determinants of Health. 
• Respect and protect the rights of clients, including but not limited to their right to independence, autonomy, and self-determination; their right to choose and practice individual values, beliefs, religion, and culture; and their right to privacy and dignity. 
• Provide supportive and lifestyle counselling and crisis management, as needed. 
• Respond to conflicts, utilizing crisis intervention and prevention when required. 
• Accompany clients to appointments (medical, legal, or otherwise), as required in their case plan. 
• Participate in case conferences with clients and medical supports, as required. 
• Advocate on behalf of and with clients of the shelter re: their rights and responsibilities in order to support them in accessing community resources and overcoming individual and systemic barriers to services. 
• Conduct OCAN (Ontario Common Assessment of Need) assessments to assess Client’s needs. 
• Maintain up to date and accurate documentation including case notes, progress reports, statistics, and resident files. 
• Use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sensitive information. 
• Provide a consistently high standard of care and support for clients. 
• Provide direct and comprehensive care and assistance to clients with specialized and complex needs. 
• Schedule or conduct follow-up meetings/appointments with clients. 
• Assess, evaluate, plan, and revise client care/support. 
• Encourage open communication among clients when discussing issues, problems, or concerns. 
• Ensure commitment to quality, client safety, and risk management initiatives. 
• Provide education and counselling to clients and families. 
• Provide ongoing advocacy and support to clients. 
• Provide timely and accurate information to other members of the team, as well as to individuals under direct care or support and their family members. 
• Demonstrate appropriate professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality at all times with Clients, staff and community partners.  
• This job description does not represent a complete account of the duties and responsibilities of the job but rather a summary of those duties and responsibilities in effect at the time of writing. The role and its responsibilities will evolve as the Agency grows and develops to meet community and client needs. Future responsibilities will include such duties as assigned in keeping with the developing nature of the job. 
• Other duties as required. 

Position Qualifications

• BSW, a relevant post-secondary degree or certificate, and/or equivalent work experience in Social Work, Social Services, or as a Community Worker. 
• Not less than two (2) years related experience in crisis support, substance user issues, mental health, counselling skills, and working in a shelter or housing setting. 
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the homeless population, diversity issues, anti-discrimination practices, and system reasons for homelessness. 
• Case management experience with vulnerable or high risk populations, including individual living with substance use issues, complex mental health issues, seniors, people with disabilities, people coping with the impact of mild, traumatic brain injury. 
• Demonstrated ability in informal supportive counseling; strong assessment and analytical skills. 
• Experience working with individuals from priority populations (LGBTQ+, Indigenous, racialized, newcomers, etc.) who experience barriers to traditional services. 
• Strong verbal and written English language communication skills; fluency in additional languages, relevant to the communities of service, will be considered an asset. 
• Able to compile data and prepare statistical reports. 
• Demonstrated ability to connect Clients to financial supports including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, and the Office of the Ontario Public Guardian and Trusteeship. 
• Experience with conflict resolution and negotiation skills. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Act, DSM IV, Residential Tenancies Act, community agencies, and relevant programs and services. 
• Ability to work under extreme pressure and handle tense and stressful situations. 
• Demonstrated time management skills. 
• High flexibility with strong interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse environment 
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and in collaboration with other community professionals. 
• Able to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity to changing resident situation and needs. 
• Demonstrated application of harm reduction principles and strategies. 
• Intermediate level of computer literacy utilizing the MS Office Suite of applications. 
• Valid Emergency First Aid & CPR certification an asset. 
• Current Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) training/certification an asset. 
• Experience with OCAN, Pirouette, and SMIS will be considered an asset. 
• Must be qualified to work in Canada legally for the employer. 
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a ‘Clear’ or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the Agency.

Dixon Hall  is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.

To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply.