Program Specialist

**Summary**

Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare (REACH) is a dynamic nonprofit, charitable organization that provides health care services to those experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and equity deserving communities across the Niagara region. We are committed to removing barriers to care by providing accessible and equitable health and social care.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Specialist is a valued member of the team who will oversee the development and implementation of the newly formed ‘Transitions into Comprehensive Care Program’. This program is the first of its kind in Niagara where the overall goal is to provide wrap-around care for those transitioning out of corrections or have a history of incarceration in the Niagara region, who are unhoused and face substance use and other health and socio-economic issues that lead to vulnerability.

This role requires strong leadership skills, project management expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with community partners and a multidisciplinary team.

**What you can expect from us**:

- Competitive wage: $35.72 - $41.21 + 6% vacation pay
- We believe in work life balance and provide: 6 paid health and wellbeing days + $800 for your wellbeing
- 2 paid professional development days + $8000 in professional development
- Flexible working environment
- Being part of an organization that is doing meaningful work in the community

**About the Role**:

- Project management:_
- In collaboration with a network of partners, lead the development and implementation of the newly formed ‘Transitions into Comprehensive Care Program’. This includes facilitating a newly formed project implementation team.
- Establish methods to collect required program indicators and outcomes.
- Lead the development of program policies, protocols, and pathways.
- Monitor program implementation and submission of required funding reports.
- Identify mechanisms for program monitoring and evaluation while utilizing a quality improvement lens with a focus on quality assurance.
- Develop and implement a Knowledge Mobilization (KM) plan to disseminate program outcomes.
- Lead the development and implementation of a sustainability plan.
- Collaborate with the team to ensure integrated and comprehensive care for clients.
- Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes affecting program operations.
- Community Engagement and Partnerships:_
- Facilitate and lead partner meetings to assist with program development.
- Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and other identified parties to enhance access to services for program participants.
- Identify and lead opportunities to engage with Persons with Lived and Living Experience as part of program development.
- Establish a Persons with Lived and Living Experience advisory committee to advise on all aspects of the program.
- Lead partner presentations to enable effective referrals and overall awareness of the program.
- Overall: _
- Contribute and support the implementation of REACH’s strategic plan and priorities.
- Promote a culture of collaboration and respect across all disciplines and functions.
- Participation in team and organizational meetings.
- Maintain health and safety standards as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Maintain privacy requirements as per the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
- Represent the mission, vision, and values of REACH.

**To excel in this role, you will need**:

- Education and Work Experience Requirements:_
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, including social work, management and leadership, public health, health promotion, and/or nursing.
- Minimum of three to fives years’ of experience in project development and management, preferably in the healthcare or social services sector.
- Minimum of three years’ of experience in change management and quality improvement.
- Change Management, Project Management, and/or Green Belt Certification is preferred.
- Minimum of three years’ of experience with engaging and managing community partners.
- Experience working with equity deserving and underserved populations.
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities_
- Strong understanding of the justice system with knowledge of Niagara as a community.
- Knowledgeable of the social determinants of health, overall principles of equity and accessibility in healthcare, and harm reduction principles and practices.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams and partners
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 
- Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office or Google products
- Superior communication skills with clients, clinicians, and partners in a respec