Temporary Black Health Cultural Ambassador Substance Use Health

Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre•Hamilton, ON

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Black Health Community Cultural Ambassador serves as a trusted liaison between Hamilton Urban Core’s Mental Health and Addictions Treatment (MHAT) Hub and Black communities impacted by substance use and mental health issues, social determinants of health and systemic barriers to care. This role aims to foster trust, engagement, and culturally responsive access to substance use health and comprehensive wraparound services. The Ambassador will work to co-develop culturally grounded care pathways in partnership with Black serving community organizations, Ethnocultural groups, Carers, Elders, and Traditional Healers. As a lived-experience-informed and culturally rooted position, the Ambassador will help ensure that care for Black individuals who use substances is delivered in ways that are compassionate, culturally safe, and free from judgment or stigma and guide the integration of Afrocentric and culturally responsive approaches to substance use health care delivery at the MHAT Hub. Additionally, the Ambassador guides clients through the five-step recovery process, supporting them in their contemplation of recovery and facilitating their transition to structured treatment for long-term success.

Requirements

Post secondary education in Social Work, Community Health, Public Health, Health Promotion, Community Development or a related Health or Social Services field.
Deep connection to and knowledge of Black communities, including cultural traditions, experiences, and systemic barriers to care.
Experience supporting individuals affected by substance use, mental health challenges, or social marginalization.
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to foster trust, safety, and respect.
Commitment to anti-Black racism, equity, and culturally grounded models of care.
Experience working with Afrocentric health frameworks and collaborating with Carers, Elders, or Traditional Healers.
Experience facilitating advisory bodies, community engagement initiatives, or peer-led programs.
Experience working with clients facing substance use challenges, mental health concerns, homelessness, and complex social barriers
Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural safety, and recovery-oriented practices.
Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
Strong understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally responsive approaches.
Ability to support clients in identity

Responsibilities

Lead and support culturally responsive programming at the MHAT Hub main site, residential treatment facility, colocated partner sites, and in community outreach settings.
Facilitate supportive group sessions, workshops, wellness activities, and community gatherings that promote healing, connection, and empowerment.
Promote a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment that affirms the identities and lived experiences of Black individuals affected by substance use and mental health issues.
Promote a sense of safety, belonging, and community among Black clients seeking care, connection, or wellness support.
Build trust and strengthen relationships with Black communities, organizations, and leaders to promote awareness of and access to MHAT Hub services.
Conduct culturally relevant outreach and educational activities in community settings to promote wellness, safety, and informed choices.
Represent Hamilton Urban Core at community forums, engagement events, and cross-sector tables focused on Black health, substance use, and mental health.
Build and maintain partnerships with Black-led organizations, Carers, Elders, Traditional Healers, and ethnocultural groups supporting Black wellness
Act as a trusted resource for Black clients navigating substance use and mental health services at the MHAT Hub and across the broader system.
Provide culturally informed navigation, informal peer-based support, and advocacy tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
Collaborate with Black Carers, Elders, and Traditional Healers to integrate cultural wisdom and healing practices into care pathways.
Assist clients in identifying personal goals, accessing services, and building confidence in their care journey using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches.
Offer on-the-spot support and crisis intervention when needed.
Support the facilitation of regular meetings of the MHAT Hub Black Health Advisory Committee to ensure that community voices inform program design and quality improvement.
Contribute to service development efforts that reflect Black leadership, lived experience, and cultural insight.
Support cultural safety and anti-Black racism education for staff and partners through storytelling, consultation, and community-informed dialogue.
Assist in the co-creation of culturally appropriate health promotion resources and tools for Black communities.
Act as a cultural resource for Community Health Centre (CHC) staff, providing guidance on culturally aligned addiction, mental health, and recovery practices.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.
Maintain accurate, confidential client documentation including assessments, progress notes, referrals, and care plans.
Adhere to organizational policies, professional standards, and ethical guidelines in all aspects of client care and documentation.
Provide mentorship and supervision to students, interns, and new staff.
Engage in ongoing professional development, including training, literature review, and peer collaboration.
Support Hamilton Urban Core CHC-wide initiatives, including annual events, advocacy efforts, and client-centered programming.
Other duties as assigned.