South Riverdale Community Health Centre is a non-profit, multi-service organization that provides primary healthcare, social and community outreach services with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention primarily to people of East Toronto. Our mission is to improve the lives of people that face barriers to physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being. We do so by meaningfully engaging our clients and communities, ensuring equitable access to primary health care and delivering quality care through a range of evidence informed programs, services and approaches. As a leader in community health, our locally and internationally recognized community services include cutting-edge primary health services, health promotion, harm reduction, environmental health, community food centre and population-based community programs for marginalized peoples. We value health equity and inclusion and respect in our work and in the delivery of our services.
This position acts as first point of contact for members of the community referred to SRCHC for harm reduction services by internal and external providers working with people who use substances. This will include individuals who have substance use and mental health issues, are homeless and/or precariously housed, and who may benefit from harm reduction information, education and referrals, as well as individuals who require immediate intervention or support accessing harm reduction services. The goal is to increase individual capacity to cope, reduce harms related to substance use and facilitate linkages to care with appropriate community supports. This role further aims to ensure clients are integrated into the appropriate services both within the CHC and wider community as required.
This position is expected to work onsite.
Responsibilities:
• Accept and respond to program referrals for HR counselling and supports from internal and external partners
• Assist in locating required community resources by liaising with community groups and other health/social service agencies to provide referral information for clients and facilitate referrals to other community health centre professionals to ensure a care continuum of health and social services
• Provide a wide range of harm reduction services within identified high risk neighborhoods
• Provide harm reduction consultation to community partners and providers as requested
• Provide crisis prevention and stabilization through instrumental counselling, practical support and referrals to appropriate services
• Facilitate transportation and/or accompany clients to medical appointments, court, community programs and other appointments as needed
• Advocate for clients on individual and systemic issues as appropriate
• Provide back-up to other Substance Use and Mental Health programs as required
• Participate in COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program initiatives and event-planning as needed
• Maintain client data
• Collaborate within own team and other teams across the organization to identify and provide health education to target groups
• Participate in ongoing program evaluation
• Work flexible hours including evenings and weekends depending on client needs and operational demands
• All other duties as required
Qualifications:
• Post-secondary education from a recognized University or College
• 3 – 5 years relevant training and experience in mental health and harm reduction
• Strong understanding of community-based service provision including ability to identify and connect with appropriate community-based services/resources
• Excellent knowledge of and ability to apply harm reduction principles and practices in work with the community
• Excellent understanding and ability to apply and integrate client-centered work
• Extensive knowledge and ability to apply and integrate mental health, harm reduction and crisis services and systems
• Excellent understanding of impacts of systemic oppression on marginalized individuals and communities,
• Excellent understanding of principles of community development and experience applying these principles in work settings
• Well-developed and demonstrable experience in crisis management in the mental health/social services field
• Work within an anti-oppression and trauma-informed framework
• Respect for diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility with the ability to work collaboratively and positively with others
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Skills and experience designing and delivering diverse group programming, including arts-based approaches, popular education, participatory research, peer support and information/education focused groups
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well independently
• Current involvement in community work an asset
• Police clearance documentation will be required for employment
• Proof of double COVID-19 vaccination status will be required for employment
The deadline for applicants is Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Please mail in your cover letter and resume in confidence to:
The Hiring Committee – CHW – Harm Reduction Client Navigator
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
955 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M4M 3P3
Or by email to: [email protected].
Please enter “CHW – Harm Reduction Client Navigator” in the subject line of your email.
No faxes, phone calls, or requests to meet please.
This is a bargaining unit position with CUPE Local 5399.
SRCHC welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
SRCHC is an equal opportunity employer. We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
SRCHC encourages applicants who are racialized (IBPOC) and/or applicants who face any barriers as a result of systemic discrimination to apply for this position.
SRCHC encourages a scent-free environment. Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.