Job Description

Title: Practical Assistance Worker Salary: $42,806.40 - $50,359.40 Annual or $23.52 - $27.67 per hour Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (35 hours per week) Vacancy: New Vacancy Location: Street Health Centre

Position Summary

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Practical Assistance Worker (PAW) assists complex clients facing barriers to care and will help connect clients to support and services as well as provide outreach to marginalized community members. This position advocates for clients and assists with connecting the client to community resources and supports to help address unmet social health needs (e.g. housing, income security, food security, transportation, literacy, and social isolation). Focusing on the social determinants of health, the PAW finds solutions that assist clients in their day-to-day living and navigate the health and social service systems. Benefits: Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Days and Education time Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) Extended Health Benefits come into effect after three months of employment in this position: Health and Dental Coverage, Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long-Term Disability Coverage and an Employee Assistance Program Key Responsibilities

Client Support and System Navigation Support clients, including those who present in crisis, and would like to be connected with health and social service supports. Aid clients in the application for, and navigating through, government services and documents. Assist in applying for Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, CPP etc. Advocate for complex clients and families Make internal and external referrals, connecting clients to organization and community resources. Accompany clients to medical appointments, group programs, provides support and transportation as required. Provide individual support, resources and referrals to clients. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to identify and coordinate the services needed for the clients, guided by the social determinants of health. Facilitate application processes with community services. Participate in case conferences, as required. Document client interactions and progress using relevant systems. Outreach Participate in outreach initiatives in the Kingston and surrounding areas for clients that are eligible for service as required.

Program Support and Partnership Building Maintain active collaboration with community partners such as public health, outreach teams, shelters, and other health, addictions and supportive housing providers Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and community partners to support a seamless continuum of health and social services. Identify barriers within community systems and services and support efforts to reduce their impact on clients. Routinely collect, maintain, and report confidential client and program data in compliance with program requirements, funder expectations, and organizational policies. Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources, within set deadlines. Participate in the planning of program evaluation initiatives. Promote awareness of and participation in Street Health Centre activities and programs. Participate in community meetings and collaborative partnership initiatives as a representative of Kingston Community Health Centres, and a voice for the populations we serve. Participate as a team member in all team functions; program planning, team meetings, case conferences, committees and staff meetings.

Organizational Responsibilities Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required Basic Education and Experience Requirements College Diploma in Social Services, Health Promotion, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum one to two years’ experience working in a community setting and providing direct client support to marginalized individuals, with a focus on recovery, health promotion, and community engagement. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Develop a comprehensive understanding of services offered at Street Health Centre Knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect clients Understanding of the Personal Health Information and Protection Act (PHIPA), Provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (IPPA), Health Care Consent Act (HCCA), the Substitute Decisions Act (SDA), and Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take appropriate actions and to meet deadlines Excellent interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member within an evolving role in a multi-disciplinary environment Strong advocacy and negotiation skills Excellent knowledge of MS computer applications and other office related software Must be able to work in a variety of social and physical settings Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis Strong organizational skills and above average attention to detail Ability to meet the physical demands of the position Other Requirements Ability to work daytime, evening and/or weekend shifts Access to a vehicle, Valid Driver’s Licence, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC’s insurance provider (HIROC) Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check French, or other second language is an asset As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients. At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all. KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources. Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4 www.KCHC.ca