Community Health Worker

Work Location: various GCHC locations

Hours/Week: 17.5 with the possibility of Full-Time, up to 35 hours

Length of Contract: Ongoing

What We Live By:

Our Vision: A community without barriers to health and wellbeing.

Our Mission: We work with our community to promote and sustain health and wellbeing for all.

Our Values: Compassion, Social Justice, Courage, Integrity, Adaptability. 

Guelph Community Health Centre prioritizes people who face barriers to health and accessing services, and people who identify as:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness 
• Living on low income 
• Newcomers to Canada with language barriers 
• Having moderate to severe mental health and/or addiction issues 
• Having moderate to severe disabilities 
• Indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Métis 
• Black, mixed race and racialized populations 
• Experiencing intersectional oppression 
• 2SLGBTQIA+ 
• Vulnerable children and their families experiencing conflict, isolation or attachment struggles

Summary:

The Community Health Worker plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing complex challenges by providing compassionate, practical assistance and system navigation. Support clients in accessing reproductive, prenatal, postpartum, and general healthcare services through advocacy and system navigation. This position focuses on promoting health, well-being, and early help through culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches that reduce barriers and foster trust within the community.

PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES

• Support clients in accessing reproductive, prenatal, postpartum, and general healthcare services through advocacy and system navigation.
• Engage clients, families, and service partners in developing coordinated, client-centered care plans.
• Provide outreach and ongoing follow-up to ensure continuity and connection to supports.
• Facilitate internal and external referrals to health and social service agencies.
• Coordinate neighborhood services with agency partners and build relationships with community health and social service providers.
• Assist caregivers of children (ages 0–18) with early help and system navigation, addressing issues such as domestic violence, addictions, food insecurity, housing, and income challenges.
• Help parents navigate community support networks and promote community dialogue on the benefits of early help as a preventative measure.
• Provide leadership in program-related problem solving and decision making.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic client records.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• University degree or college diploma in social work, community health, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years' experience in outreach, counseling, or community-based healthcare settings
• Strong interpersonal, counseling, and advocacy skills
• Experience working with culturally, economically, and socially diverse populations
• Knowledge of health, midwifery, and social service systems in Guelph and Ontario
• Familiarity with issues related to poverty, inequality, child and infant mental health, addictions, family violence, and positive parenting
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; additional languages are an asset
• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and equity-based approaches to care
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems
• Valid Class "G" Ontario driver's license and access to a vehicle
  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Combination of office-based, community-based, and home visits.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required.
  

We know that experience comes in many forms. If you have some of these qualities, are excited about this opportunity, and are a current employee of Guelph Community Health Centre then we want to hear from you. Please visit our website and apply using the online application tool. In your application, please include a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills, qualifications, and experience meet the position requirements.

Guelph Community Health Centre is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including individuals from priority populations who may identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities. 

We thank, in advance, those who apply, but will contact only those who qualify for interviews. 

If at any stage in the selection process you require accommodation, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.

We require that all finalist applicants undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screen through their local Police Services Branch prior to start date.