Community Navigator

# Summary 

# About the organization 

Grand River Community Health Centre (GRCHC) is a dynamic, client-centred organization committed to delivering high-quality primary health care services to the diverse community of Brantford Brant and Norfolk. We are proud to have achieved the Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA) standards for quality in governance and management of Community-Based Primary Health Care - for the fourth consecutive time. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and delivering high-quality care to our communities. 

# About the position 

As a member of the Inter-professional Primary Care Team (IPCT), the Community Navigator facilitates the coordination of care and support for community clients with the Social Prescribing program. Social Prescribing is a specially structured way of referring people to a range of local, non-clinical services. It complements clinical interventions and seeks to address client’s social needs through community partnerships and collaboration.

The Community Navigator will receive referrals from community organizations including primary care providers and community agencies in order to connect clients with diverse social needs to a range of supports. The individual in this role will: facilitate client connections to services as needed, engage in problem-solving and advocacy, and assist clients in developing strength-based coordinated care plans to address their goals. The Community Navigator will maintain knowledge of local resources and build strong, sustainable relationships with external agencies and partners. They will also maintain electronic client records according to organizational expectations/ professional standards. The Community Navigator will be an essential member of the IPCT, who uses collaborative and innovative approaches within the broad determinants of health framework. The Community Navigator’s approach will be evidence based, innovative, and rooted in an anti-oppressive practice.  

# Qualifications

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in a health or social science discipline (Master’s degree preferred). 
• 2+ years experience in a health or social service setting.
• Experience working effectively with culturally, economically and socially diverse clients.
• Familiarity with social/ health services and systems in Brantford, Brant and Norfolk.
• Expertise in working with clients with mental health and addiction concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Commitment to working within a client-centred, social determinants of health framework.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software programs (experience with Electronic Medical Records is an asset).

Responsibilities and Skills:

• Ability to work with clients to reduce barriers and build skills required to build care plans that include engaging in the community
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and concurrent disorders community supports, and harm reduction practices 
• Strong communication (verbal and written), organization, and time management skills 
• Demonstrated ability in conflict management and interpersonal relations 
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles and ability to work effectively with people of various cultural, age and economic backgrounds 
• Ability to work collaboratively within and across teams, developing and maintaining positive relationships with service providers 
• Ability to work independently and self-directed
• Able to work flexible hours primarily within a 5 day, Monday to Friday work week. Regular evening work 1-2 times per week.
• Able to travel within the Brantford- Brant- Norfolk OHT area