Vacant: Community Ambassador
Contract, Full-time (35 hours per week)
$30.41 per hour + HOOPP
We work in a team-based environment, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
We are a proud participant of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), Canada’s largest and most respected pension plan that provides a secure monthly income at retirement.
BACKGROUND
The Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC) is a not-for-profit, community-governed organization providing primary health care, social services, and illness prevention programs primarily to the residents of the Western and Northern York Region. We serve people experiencing barriers to accessing health care services due to culture, language, age, chronic illness, or the like. We are committed to providing services with and for local Indigenous, Black, racialized and other disadvantaged communities.
POSITION SUMMARY
As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the Community Ambassador conducts, implements and evaluates health promotion, community engagement and outreach activities that focuses on reaching the following priority communities: Black, Indigenous, racialized and disadvantaged communities in Western York Region. The Community Ambassador works towards achieving the following goals:
1. Increase awareness of the Vaughan Community Health Centre within Black, Indigenous, racialized and disadvantaged communities in Western York Region by working with community members, community groups and organizations to improve access to culturally responsive chronic disease prevention and management supports for the identified communities.
2. Implement focused, locally informed, culturally responsive outreach strategies and health promotion activities to improve healthcare access, including but not limited to, access to chronic disease prevention and management services such as type 2 diabetes, allied health services such as mental health services, nutrition counselling and more.
3. Support referrals and access to other social supports, including but not limited to, referrals to case management services, community programs and more.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop a focused workplan to implement and evaluate the 3 goals identified above.
- Develop culturally appropriate outreach and health promotion materials.
- Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with community groups and organizations.
- Conduct focused outreach including but not limited to face-to-face outreach in public spaces, door knocking, participating in local events, providing presentations (in person and virtually), and more.
- Facilitate referrals for community members to healthcare and social services.
- Plan and support health promotion initiatives facilitated by VCHC and community partners.
- Provide and distribute resources including health educational information and other items to community members.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and incorporate stakeholders’ feedback to make program improvements where appropriate and feasible.
- Maintain detailed data collection and provide regular status updates to the supervisor on the progress of deliverables.
- Actively collaborate with internal team members on project activities including the Health Promotion Team, Diabetes Education Team, colleagues, and community partners as necessary to ensure that targets are met.
- Develop and publish social media posts, articles and communications as needed and requested.
- Attend training sessions, meetings and participate in other activities as needed.
- Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication with residents, staff, colleagues, volunteers and community partners.
- Exemplify VCHC’s core values: Belonging, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Excellence.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- A certificate or diploma in healthcare, community development and/or social services.
- Knowledge of and/or lived experience with chronic disease management i.e. type 2 diabetes, etc.
- Strong connection or links to the African, Caribbean, Black, Indigenous and racialized communities in Western York Region.
- Experience working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and age groups, individuals who may have language barriers, may be homeless or street involved, new to Canada, etc.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to tailor communication effectively in various settings, i.e. present ideas clearly in formal/informal settings, public speaking, one-one-conversations with vulnerable and culturally diverse community members, etc.
- The ability to fluently speak, read and write in a second language that is spoken in the priority communities.
- Proficient time management, problem-solving skills, and flexibility in a very active work environment.
- Experience conducting community outreach, particularly in-person outreach.
- Working knowledge and/or familiarity with health and social service programs specific to York Region.
- Familiarity with the Canadian healthcare system, social and health issues and the social determinants of health.
- The ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (boxes of kits, handling promotional items to and from locations, etc.)
- Valid driver’s license, regular access to a vehicle and appropriate insurance for personal automobile.
Interviews will occur on rolling basis; please apply as soon as you can.
Successful candidates cannot be existing clients of the Vaughan Community Health Centre.
Successful candidates will be required to:
o Show proof of a completed a 2-step TB test and measles vaccination/immunity
o Complete a vulnerable sector check
Please send your cover letter and resume to:
Community Ambassador Hiring Committee
c/o Vaughan Community Health Centre Head Office
9401 Jane Street, Suite 206
Vaughan, Ontario L6A 4H7
Fax: (905) 303-9444
www.vaughanchc.com
While applications are preferred via email, you are welcome to apply by fax, mail or in person.
Accommodations during the recruitment, selection, and interview processes will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code if needed. If you need accommodation during the hiring process, please call us at (905) 303-8490 ext.2631 to provide your contact information and a member from the hiring Committee will contact you.
Vaughan Community Health Centre is an equal opportunity employer and encourages resumes from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to excellence and hire based on merit.
We thank all candidates in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: $30.41 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Are you fluent in another language? If so, which one?
- Do you strong connection or links to the African, Caribbean, Black, Indigenous and racialized communities in Western York Region?
- Are you familiar/working knowledge with health and social service programs specific to York Region?
- Do you have experience conducting community outreach, particularly in-person outreach?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Chronic disease management: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
