Community Health Worker – Substance Use

Benefits include:

• Extended Health and Dental benefits including Life, AD&D and LTD
• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick and personal days)
• Professional development time and funds

South Riverdale Community Health Centre is a non-profit, multi-service organization that provides primary healthcare, social and community outreach services with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention primarily to people of East Toronto. Our mission is to improve the lives of people that face barriers to physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being. We do so by meaningfully engaging our clients and communities, ensuring equitable access to primary health care and delivering quality care through a range of evidence informed programs, services and approaches. As a leader in community health, our locally and internationally recognized community services include cutting-edge primary health services, health promotion, harm reduction, environmental health, community food centre and population-based community programs for marginalized peoples. We value health equity and inclusion and respect in our work and in the delivery of our services.

The Community Health Worker will support individuals who have substance use and mental health issues, are homeless and/or precariously housed, and who may benefit from information and referrals, as well as individuals who require immediate intervention or support accessing programs and services. The Community Health Worker is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating daily groups and workshops, providing brief case management support, informal counseling, information and referrals, accompaniments, outreach, and will work collaboratively with other interdisciplinary team members and service providers, partners, as well as with service users. This position will be required to work some flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends and will also be involved in outreach work. Working onsite is required.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and facilitate daily group programming with an emphasis on wellness, skill development, creative expression, strengthening social networks, and goal setting
• Work collaboratively with other team members and participate in interdisciplinary case conferences/care planning
• Provide supportive counseling, education and referrals to health and social services
• Accompany clients to medical appointments, court, community programs and other appointments as needed
• Assess, respond to and manage overdose events; provide overdose prevention education and support
• De-escalate conflict with or among participants, according to established protocols
• Provide harm reduction information to service users and ensure safe disposal of used equipment in accordance with established protocols
• Work on community engagement and capacity building through outreach and community events
• Attend mandatory training as applicable
• Collaborate within own team and other teams across the organization to identify and provide health education to target groups
• Work in collaboration with community partners and emergency responders to provide seamless care to target groups
• All other duties as required

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary education from a recognized University or College
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy certification an asset
• Motivational Interviewing training an asset
• Experience working in a community health care setting with people who use drugs
• Experience planning, facilitating, and evaluating groups and/or workshops
• Familiarity with evidence-based interventions and curriculum-based programming
• Brief case management experience
• Strong understanding of community-based service provision including ability to identify and connect with appropriate community-based services/resources
• Extensive knowledge and ability to apply and integrate mental health, harm reduction and crisis services and systems
• Excellent understanding of impacts of systemic oppression on marginalized individuals and communities
• Excellent understanding of principles of community development and experience applying these principles in work settings
• Proven experience with overdose response and training in/experience with oxygen and Naloxone administration
• Physical ability to provide support in an overdose situation
• Respect for diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility with the ability to work collaboratively and positively with others
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology and various software applications
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to actively and accurately listen
• Non-judgmental and willing to learn
• Police clearance documentation will be required for employment
• Proof of double COVID-19 vaccination status will be required for employment

This posting is not for an existing vacancy.

Internal applicants please apply by Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

This position remains open until filled.

Please mail in your cover letter and resume in confidence to:

The Hiring Committee – CHW – SUMH

South Riverdale Community Health Centre

955 Queen Street East

Toronto, ON M4M 3P3

Or by email to:

Please enter "CHW – SUMH" in the subject line of your email.

No faxes, phone calls, or requests to meet please.

This is a bargaining unit position with CUPE Local 5399.

SRCHC welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

SRCHC is an equal opportunity employer. We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SRCHC encourages applicants who are racialized (IBPOC) and/or applicants who face any barriers as a result of systemic discrimination to apply for this position.

SRCHC encourages a scent-free environment. Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.