Community Health Worker

**Background**:
Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong (_Place of Healthy Breathing) _is an evolving Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team that began through a partnership with Native Men’s Residence, Call Auntie Clinic, and Well Living House, as a response to the disparities affecting the First Nation, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing gaps in access to culturally safe and effective wholistic primary care leave more than 24,000 FNIM without a provider, with subsequent gaps in preventative care, and a higher burden of disease and mortality. As a result, Auduzhe has been advancing to include vaccination, preventative, episodic and primary care to aim to meet the voiced needs of the community. Auduzhe focuses on disease prevention, vaccines across the lifespan, health promotion, and wholistic care through outreach partnerships, home visits, and on-site healing.

The continued strengthening of our partnerships with community, municipal, and provincial organizations has allowed us to expand our public health response to include preventative and primary care services at Auduzhe & Native Men’s Residence.

The Community Health Worker position is intended to support the on-site team at Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong in creating a welcoming and culturally safe space for Indigenous clients, and to develop and provide supports.

Working under the guidance and direction of the Director of Operations & Medical Director, the Community Health Worker will be responsible for activities involved in the following:
**Roles and Responsibilities**:

- Provide culturally safe care to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community members in Tkaronto
- Assist in locating culturally appropriate community resources by liaising with community groups and other health/social service agencies to provide referral information for clients
- Facilitate referrals to other community health centre professionals to ensure a care continuum of health and social services
- Work closely with Auduzhe’s medical providers to ensure community members have comprehensive and coordinated care plans
- Provide short term crisis prevention/response, de-escalation, and stabilization through instrumental support and referrals to culturally appropriate crisis services
- Facilitate transportation and/or accompany clients to medical appointments, court, community programs and other appointments as needed
- Establish trusting relationships with FNIM community members and families
- Ensure clients are integrated into the appropriate services both within Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong and wider community as required
- Document on each client contact including services provided/offered including referrals
- Collaborate with one’s service team and other teams across the organization to identify and provide health education to target groups
- Facilitate client referrals to relevant resources
- Provide case support and education to clients

**Qualifications**:

- A minimum of 3-5 years experience in community-based health care is an asset
- Solid understanding of the issues facing Indigenous communities and systemic barriers to accessing culturally responsive health care
- Experience with trauma-informed care; able to communicate with clients in a culturally safe, empathetic, and professional manner
- Experience with Indigenous community-based service; experience in dealing with or knowledge of Indigenous health
- Well developed and demonstrable experience in crisis management in the mental health/social services field
- Demonstrated knowledge of working with clients with mental health and addiction, including working with groups
- Strong communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Proficiency in the use of computer technology and using an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks in a timely manner and flexibility to adapt to changing workload
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

**Closing Date: Open until filled.**
**A resume and cover letter can be sent to**:
Human Resources 26 Vaughan Road, Toronto, ON M6G 2C4

Pay: Up to $58.03 per hour

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person