Linkage to Care Coordinator

The Linkage to Care Coordinator reporting to the direct supervisor of the Sexual Health department plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between our Harm Reduction services and Sexual Health supports. This position is responsible for conducting outreach and in-reach activities across Simcoe Muskoka to identify individuals who could benefit from our services and effectively connect them to the care they need. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills along with a deep understanding of the intersection between harm reduction sexual health and social determinants of health. This position is office based.

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 sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (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.

Key Role and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the delivery of programs based on needs identified using already available services provided by community partner agencies as well as programs developed within Gilbert Centre.
• Collaborate with local health care providers such as the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to ensure newly diagnosed individuals living with HIV and/or HCV are connected to the Gilbert Centres services.
• Collaborate with priority population service providers including Indigenous newcomer and other non-mainstream organizations to support HIV HCV and STBBI awareness and knowledge translation efforts.
• Maintain and expand client base through strategic outreach engaging community activities developing relevant outreach materials and collaboration with other Gilbert Centre programs while expanding and promoting community networks.
• Provide group support and group education sessions through various mediums (live workshops virtual workshops self-guided recordings etc.).
• Facilitating 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.
• Conduct outreach and in-reach through in-person and online platforms which promotes the health of diverse communities for those living with and affected by HIV HCV and other STBBIs. A specific focus on populations which may benefit from HIV & HCV testing prevention and workshops/educational resources.
• 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.
• Embodies supports and engages 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.
• Monitors and evaluates program activities with the community and makes recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.
• Meets regularly with program staff to facilitate and maintain effective working relationships.
• Contributes to the home-like atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre through interacting with participants Ambassadors volunteers and participates in community programming activities when available.
• Collaborates 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.

Skills Ability and Qualifications Required

• 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.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency including opioid overdose is required
• 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.
• At least one year experience in coordinating programming in the HIV HCV STBBI 2S-LGBTQ communities non-profit or health promotion fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to community development engagement and accountability practices.
• Ability to work independently and 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.
• Excellent communication including written and verbal presentation skills group facilitation diplomacy act as an effective liaison interpersonal skills and proficiency in English with French is an asset.
• A valid drivers license with regular access to a vehicle and willingness to travel throughout Simcoe/Muskoka for work-related duties is required.
• 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

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.

How to Apply:

Apply through BambooHR and attach your cover letter and resume. If you have any questions or need assistance contact Rebecca Pongracz HIV/HCV Program Manager at Internal applications will be reviewed in accordance with our collective agreement. The position will remain active until it is 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.

Required Experience:

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