Link Worker

**The Opportunity**:
The Golden Circle is a vibrant hub for seniors in Red Deer and surrounding areas to meet, build community and enjoy the company and support of their peers and have access to outreach services, supportive programs, resources, information and health and wellness activities. Our programs are designed to enhance dignity and respect, promote independence and prevent social isolation. We are looking for a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) Link Worker in our Outreach Program for a two-year term.

**Position Summary**:
A Link Worker plays an integral role in bridging the gap between healthcare and social care. As a Social Prescribing professional, you partner with community organizations to provide non-medical support to improve the overall health and well-being of your clients.

This role includes a diverse range of responsibilities - from conducting assessments and developing personalized care plans, to providing practical support to clients and their families. Your experience, training and interpersonal skills help you to make meaningful connections with your clients as you discern their unique needs. Through your work with local agencies and professionals, you will make a positive impact on the lives of your clients and the community overall.

This could include assistance in accessing food resources, transportation, physical activities, volunteer opportunities or assistance in filling out forms. The Link Worker will provide direct support to older adults connecting them with services and programs addressing physical and social needs as identified by the individual. This position works closely with the Outreach staff, referring to that program if the needs identified are of a more complex nature. In addition, this position works closely with our other partners in this initiative.

Working closely with the Project’s network Coordinator, the goal of this position is to assist older adults to age safely in place by providing them with the social connections they require.

This position keeps up to date on resources and identifies opportunities for improved services for older adults.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Area of Responsibility**

**Tasks**

**Direct Services**
- Complete an assessment of needs for older adults accessing the Social Prescribing program;
- Provide resource information, referral and supports as required;
- Make referrals to appropriate internal and external programs and services;
- Provide assistance in filling out forms;
- Provide general information concerning government and non-government programs, benefits and services to seniors;
- Assist seniors in navigation of services and systems;
- Help seniors connect with and organize delivery of services for seniors with unmet needs;
- Attend appointments or programs with seniors to overcome barriers, where appropriate;
- Collaborate with other agencies and professionals in the community for the benefit of the client.

**Planning and Program Development**
- Maintain program utilization statistics;
- Ensure data entry is kept up to date;
- Identify program improvement opportunities;
- Adhere to policies, procedures;
- Keep up to date on resources and information pertaining to seniors.

**Volunteer Co-ordination**
- Provide on-going support and encouragement to volunteers in the program.

**Community Relations**
- Network with agencies involved in this program;
- Provide information and referral to other community resources as required;
- Liaise with professionals and community agencies involved with seniors.

**Other Duties**
- Attend scheduled meetings as required;
- As required and/or assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Knowledge of issues impacting older adults;
- Knowledge of community resources available to support older adults;
- Experience in working with older adults is beneficial;
- Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector is required;
- Valid First Aid certificate is an asset;
**SKILLS and Experience**:

- Experience working with older people and volunteers;
- Understanding of seniors’ issues and options available;
- Experience in working with diverse cultures;
- Understanding of the barriers facing seniors from diverse cultures;
- Ability to problem solve and make informed decisions;
- Ability to work independently and to manage time effectively;
- Excellent planning, writing and organizational skills;
- Computer literate with familiarity with Microsoft Word;
- Self-motivated and able to work as part of a team.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract

**Salary**: $22.00-$24.25 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Automobile allowance
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Red Deer, AB T4N 3R4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person