Practical Assistance Worker

Title: Practical Assistance Worker – Access+

Location: Kingston

Reports to: Manager, Primary Care

Position Type: Part-time Permanent (0.5 FTE, 17.5 hours/week)

Start date: As soon as possible

Rate of pay: $ $27.67/hour

Vacancy Status: New vacancy

Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:59PM

Position Summary

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Practical Assistance Worker (PAW) assists and advocates for/with individuals and families in meeting their practical needs and connecting to health and community supports. Focusing on the social determinants of health, the Practical Assistance Worker finds solutions that assists clients with their day to day living. The Practical Assistance Worker assists complex clients facing barriers to care and provides outreach to marginalized community members, as necessary. This position is rooted in establishing connection between the client and community resources and supports to help address unmet social health needs (e.g. housing, income security, food security, transportation, literacy, and social isolation).

Responsibilities

Client Care & Support

• Aid clients in the application for and navigating through government services and documents.
• Assist individuals and families in meeting their short-term practical needs in the areas of income security, including but not exclusive to applying for governmental assistance and access supports.
• Assist clients to secure resources for utilities and rent arrears, housing, medication, cost, personal identification, food, dental, and other areas as identified.
• Facilitate application processes with community services.
• Support social prescribing efforts by making internal and external referrals, connecting clients to organization and community resources, especially group programming.
• Provide individual support, resources and referrals to clients.
• Document work, as directed by organizational requirements and practices.

Program Support

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to identify the services needed for the clients, utilizing social determinants of health lens.
• Identify community and systemic issues and advocate for complex clients and families.
• Network with internal and community partners to ensure an optimal continuum of health and social service support for vulnerable people.
• Support social prescribing within the clinic team.
• Work closely with KCHC Community Development team to deliver the Getting Ahead program and offer Bridges out of Poverty training.
• Maintain records and data as required. Routinely compile, enter and report confidential data at agency and funder's request.
• Provide written reports that outlines frequency of issues addressed and number of community members assisted.
• Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources, meeting set deadlines.
• Participate in the planning of program evaluation initiatives.
• Promote awareness of and participation in KCHC activities and programs.
• Participate as a team member in all team functions; program planning, team meetings case conferences, committees and staff meetings.

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

• College Diploma in social services or related field plus 1-2 years practical experience in community advocacy work OR equivalent experience
• Knowledge of community resources
• Awareness of provincial and federal privacy regulations and child protection legislation
• Well-developed organizational skills and above average attention to detail
• Current CPR and First Aid

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in the use of computers and relevant software applications (PS Suites, Microsoft word, Excel, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to function independently and as a team, within scope of practice
• Sound problem solving, conflict resolution and decision-making skills
• Strong understanding of the social determinants of health
• Knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities and the community resources that provide services and support to marginalized persons
• Knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect clients
• Ability to treat all individuals with respect and interact in a tactful and supportive manner while maintaining professional boundaries
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
• Strong oral and written communication skills (French Bilingualism or proficiency in another language an asset)
• Well-developed organizational skills and above average attention to detail
• Proven ability to obtain and maintain trust with community members and agencies
• Understanding of the Provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Health Care Consent Act (HCCA), the Substitute Decisions Act (SDA), and Child and Family Services Act (CFSA)
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take appropriate actions and to meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills
• Must be able to work in a variety of social and physical settings
• Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis
• Strong organizational skills and above average attention to detail
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position

Other Requirements

• Reliable attendance, ability to meet the physical demands of the position
• Ability to work some evening and/or weekend shifts
• Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check
• French, or other second language is an asset
• Access to reliable vehicle
• Valid Driver's Licence, Driver's Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC's insurance provider (HIROC) 

Organizational Responsibilities

• Complies with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws
• Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  
• Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion
• Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures
• Supports KCHC's student and volunteer placement programs
• Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
• On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required

Competencies

Organizational Competencies: Accountability, Client Focus, Collaboration, Continuous Learning

Position Competencies: Communications, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Teamwork, Time Management

All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.

We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all. 

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4