Job Overview: The Community Navigator for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Care serves as a vital link between hospital-based care, community resources, and peer support networks, addressing the unique needs of individuals and families affected by SCD in Northern Ontario with a focus on Thunder Bay. This role emphasizes improving healthcare service accessibility, providing patient and community education, offering peer support, and leading advocacy initiatives to enhance awareness and care standards for SCD.

Key Responsibilities:

Community & Hospital Bridging:

Facilitate seamless coordination between healthcare providers, hospitals, community-based organizations, and patients/families.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with healthcare professionals and community stakeholders to ensure a cohesive approach to patient care.

Education & Awareness:

Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational workshops and resources on SCD for patients, families, healthcare professionals, schools, and community groups.
Provide culturally sensitive educational materials tailored to the needs of diverse communities in Northern Ontario.

Peer Support:

Establish and maintain peer support groups and mentorship programs for patients and families affected by SCD.
Provide emotional and social support to patients navigating the healthcare system and various treatment options.

Advocacy:

Advocate for improved services, increased public awareness, and policy changes benefiting the SCD community.
Represent the community in meetings, public forums, and stakeholder groups to voice concerns and recommendations.

Program Development & Reporting:

Contribute to the continuous evaluation and improvement of community navigation programs.
Document activities, track program outcomes, and provide regular reports to organizational leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Master of Social Work (MSW) or graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., health sciences, community development) preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Prior experience in patient advocacy, community outreach, or healthcare navigation.
Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and its impact on individuals and families.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to build strong community relationships.
Sensitivity and experience working with culturally diverse communities.
Strong organizational, coordination, and advocacy skills.
Familiarity with healthcare systems in Ontario, particularly in Northern regions, is an asset.

Working Conditions:

Work will primarily be based within Thunder Bay, Ontario
May require occasional travel to surrounding communities in Northern Ontario.
Flexibility to work evenings or weekends to accommodate community events is required.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 15 per week

Benefits:
Company events
Flexible schedule

Ability to commute/relocate:
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3J6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):
How many years of experience do you have in patient advocacy, community outreach, or healthcare navigation?
Are you familiar with Sickle Cell Disease and the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by it?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3J6

Application deadline: 2025-07-31