Community Connector

If you are looking for a career working with amazing people while helping your community thrive, then this opportunity is for you and we want to hear from you. We urge individuals that have retired, semi-retired, are returning to the workforce, those that are new to Canada, and recent graduates to also apply. At Good Shepherd, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, equal and authentic workplace.

**Get to Know Us**

The work of Good Shepherd is based on a fundamental belief in providing hope and restoring dignity to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs. This role will be working onsite with a Family Health Team.

**Culture and Values**

We _see the good_ in people, not only the challenge. We hear the warmth in their voices. We recognize that we all have potential and promise. Our programs help to tear down the barriers that have impeded our community's most vulnerable citizens and help them to establish a path to a stable and healthy life.

**_ Hospitality_**, as inspired by St. John of God is at the heart of Good Shepherd's mission. This means that we welcome all people with compassion, acceptance and a spirit of generosity; creating opportunities for transformation. Hospitality embodies our **Values**, **Responsibility, Availability, Adaptability, Quality and Dignity.**

At Good Shepherd, we recognize the inherent value of people living with addiction and their right to quality care and services. Good Shepherd is committed to integrating Harm Reduction practices into our programs and to prioritizing the rights, dignity, and choices of those who use substances. By integrating a Harm Reduction framework at Good Shepherd, we can decrease barriers to service and better support some of our community's most marginalized members.

**Why work with us?**
- Be a part of a caring **TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY**:

- Support for continuing **EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT**:

- Staff recognition programs along with access to self-care supports and **EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM** (EAP)
- **POSITIVE **and **ENCOURAGING**atmosphere
- Make a difference and provide **HOPE**

The Community Connector enhances the dignity and quality of life of clients by providing individualized support to vulnerable clients, removing barriers to care, and identifying and supporting access to essential resources and services. The Community Connector is embedded in local Family Health Team organizations and is a part of their multi-disciplinary care team. This role is dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their optimal level of health and community function by:

- Partnering with clients and the Family Health Team in developing and executing a care plans that reflect clients' priorities and needs
- Establishes a positive rapport with clients and provides individualized home/community-based supports geared to building optimal health, wellness, safety and inclusion for clients
- Facilitates timely client access to community services and resources including those related to health and wellness, appropriate/affordable housing, income support, food security, therapeutic recreation, faith or cultural activities
- Provides referrals, advocacy and system navigation services that address client needs and goals
- Provides accompaniment into the community for activities and appointments that support the client's care plan
- Supports client in developing and/or maintaining skills, confidence and knowledge in managing activities of daily living
- Engages in ongoing risk assessment, crisis prevention and intervention, in partnership with the care teams,
- Assists clients in addressing issues of social isolation through establishing, maintaining and/or restoring relationships with family, friends and peers
- Encourages community engagement through the use of consumer-driven, self-help and special interest initiatives
- Actively participate in meetings, case conferences and consultations as required

**Qualifications**
- Degree or diploma in social service/social work or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of 1+ years relevant experience in human and/or health services
- Experience in harm reduction, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and motivational interviewing practices.
- Demonstrated case management, assessment and crisis intervention skills
- Extensive knowledge of community resources and services, social determinants of health, community development processes and the Ontario Health Links Model of Care
- Excellent verbal and written communication, computer, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- CPR/First