Age‑Friendly Link Worker

Town of Cochrane•Cochrane, AB

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Age‑Friendly Link Worker supports older adults through non‑clinical, community‑based services as part of Cochrane’s Social Prescribing initiative. Acting as a key connector between healthcare providers and community supports, the role helps older adults address social, emotional, and practical needs that influence their wellbeing. Through in‑office appointments, community outreach, and home visits, the Link Worker provides individualized, goal‑focused support that empowers older adults to age well in place. Working closely with healthcare providers, FCSS Resource Workers, and community partners, the role includes assessing needs, co‑developing goals, and connecting clients to supports such as transportation, social participation, digital navigation, and in‑home services. This longer‑term relational support complements the short‑term, task‑based services offered by Resource Workers. The Link Worker also contributes to broader Age‑Friendly and healthy‑aging efforts by identifying system gaps, emerging trends, and barriers to aging in place, strengthening coordinated community responses, and supporting long‑term integration of social prescribing in Cochrane.

Requirements

Post secondary education, preferably in Social Work, Community Development, Nursing, Health Sciences, Recreation, or a related discipline.
2–5 years of experience working with older adults, vulnerable populations, or in a community based social services setting.
Strong ability to prioritize, coordinate, and monitor a diverse range of projects and relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Solid understanding of the social determinants of health and familiarity with social prescribing principles.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively identify and remove barriers to service access.
Experience in program development and delivery.
Knowledge of local community resources, government ministries, and social support systems.
Understanding of grant processes, funders, and their mandates.
Proficiency with basic MS Office Suite software.
A reliable vehicle is required for this position.
All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.

Responsibilities

Sitting down with older adults to complete holistic, person-centered assessments and co creating individualized “social prescriptions” that support their wellbeing.
Reviewing and processing referrals from healthcare and community partners, ensuring each one is appropriate and identifying when clinical needs require a different pathway.
Reaching out to new clients within 48 business hours, keeping referring providers updated when needed, and responding to time sensitive non urgent referrals.
Providing hands on, non clinical support through home visits, digital navigation help, transportation coordination, escorted appointments, safety checks, and referrals to in home services.
Building strong, trusting relationships that empower clients through encouragement, goal setting, advocacy, and barrier reduction support.
Keeping accurate, confidential records and tracking outcomes while staying informed about community resources, service gaps, and emerging needs.
Collaborating across sectors by supporting shared referral processes, helping partners use EMR embedded tools, and participating in quarterly cross sector meetings.
Strengthening community partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve the wellbeing of older adults across Cochrane and area.
Providing culturally responsive, equitable, and client centred services while maintaining safe and effective work practices.
Identifying risks to client safety or wellbeing and escalating concerns appropriately within established protocols.
Promoting social prescribing and the Link Worker role to healthcare providers, allied health professionals, and community organizations, and representing the initiative at local events.
Participating in community led meetings such as Team Health, the Seniors Advisory Committee, the Cochrane Older Adult Case Consultation Table, and Interagency gatherings.
Leading quarterly cross sectoral meetings to support continuous improvement and long term sustainability of the initiative.