Hepatitis C Outreach worker

Durham Community Health Centre•Oshawa, ON

4d•CA$50,191 - CA$60,542•Hybrid

About The Position

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is seeking a Hepatitis C Outreach Worker to join their HCV Team. This role involves providing low-threshold outreach to marginalized community members living with or at risk of acquiring hepatitis C. The Outreach Worker will coordinate, design, and deliver education and training sessions, offer support services, and promote referrals to testing and treatment. This position also involves collaborating within an interdisciplinary team of health professionals and within the agency's team structure to achieve the agency's strategy, Mission, Vision, and Values. DCHC is a registered charitable organization providing integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members facing barriers to health and well-being. They focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients.

Requirements

Completion of a formal 2-year post-secondary program at a community college (Health/Social Services)
At least one (1) year of experience in working in a community setting is required.
Thorough knowledge and experience of HCV, harm reduction and peer support models are required.
Phlebotomy certification required or willingness to obtain.
Strong knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities.
Experience working with diverse agencies and working successfully in partnership with these agencies.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the local health and social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect clients.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take appropriate actions and to meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member within an evolving role in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Excellent advocacy and negotiation skills.
Strong commitment to health promotion, community development and adult education.
Excellent knowledge of MS computer applications and other office related software.
Ability to work occasional evening and/or weekend shifts.
Must be able to work in a variety of social and physical settings.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Nice To Haves

Experience driving larger vehicles is an asset.

Responsibilities

Active outreach in the region/community (including correctional facilities) that are frequented by at risk community members living with/at risk of acquiring HCV in order to bridge to program and treatment teams.
Deliver group and individual support and HCV treatment and prevention education.
Assist clients with needed paperwork such as applications for birth certificates, health cards or medical appointments.
Accompany clients to medical appointments, if requested, to provide emotional support.
Assist clients to develop their capacities around treatment/medical scheduling and health management planning, taking into consideration the reality of the relevant social determinants of health for each individual.
Support the expansion of the Naloxone overdose prevention program as well as the Harm Reduction program.
Provide first contact HCV testing options and point of care screening at outreach locations.
Promote and facilitate the utilization of peer support workers within the program.
Assist in providing training on HCV prevention, education, and addiction issues, with a focus on harm reduction to peer support workers.
Ensure peer support workers have the information and resources to provide information and referral services.
Design and develop training materials.
Routinely compile, enter, and report confidential data at agency and funder’s request.
Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources, meeting set deadlines.
Participate in the planning of program evaluation initiatives.
Participate as a team member in all team functions- program planning, team meetings and case conferences.
Network with internal and community partners to ensure an optimal continuum of health & social services through all stages of HCV education, support, care, and treatment.
Maintain and develop professional competencies and learning.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Assists, as assigned, in the orientation and training of new staff on the team.
Consults regularly with local agencies or community resources concerning resource development and program planning which is pertinent to the clients and/or youth population.
Adheres to and applies organization wide policies and practices in support of organizational health, and performances.
Adheres to and applies established compliance measures within legislative requirements and equity principles (e.g., AODA, Human Rights Code, and Ontario Employment Standards).
Champions and supports Employee Engagement efforts and initiatives.
Ensures scope of duties/accountabilities adheres to established Health & Safety program, policies, and procedures.