Health Promoter

About Durham Community Health Centre

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education. We focus on supporting priority groups including Indigenous peoples, Black communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers, seniors, and those without family doctors, fostering both preventive and acute care.

Role Summary

The Health Promoter, reporting to the Manager of Integrated Care and Experience, will work collaboratively across diverse teams and external partners to assess community health needs and implement strategies to reduce health disparities. This temporary full-time position (one year contract) is based primarily in Oshawa and Pickering, with potential relocation to other DCHC locations as needed.

The role involves designing and delivering prevention-centered programs, health education, harm reduction efforts, and community engagement initiatives aimed at enhancing wellbeing, particularly for marginalized and equity-deserving populations. Responsibilities include the full program cycle from assessment through evaluation, emphasizing communication, partnership-building, and driving systemic and cultural change using a health equity and evidence-based approach.

Key Duties

• Collaborate with community organizations to identify health needs and strengths among residents and priority populations.
• Engage with staff, partners, and community members to prioritize issues and develop appropriate responses.
• Build and maintain partnerships supporting health promotion programs and initiatives.
• Facilitate group sessions, events, and community activities.
• Assist in creating projects that empower clients and communities to enhance health control.
• Serve as a resource for relevant groups and committees concerning priority populations.
• Advocate for equitable and accessible health services and public health policies.
• Deliver educational presentations and workshops to clients and agencies.
• Support internal strategic initiatives focused on equity and access enhancement.
• Conduct assessments, surveys, and evaluations in partnership with staff.
• Assist external groups with approved community activities and quality improvements.
• Engage in student and volunteer recruitment and supervision.
• Screen clients to identify needed preventive services and facilitate connections to providers.
• Maintain accurate records of client and community activity encounters through electronic systems.
• Participate in orientation and training of new team members.
• Collaborate regularly with local agencies on resource development and program planning.
• Adhere to organizational policies, legislative standards (AODA, Human Rights Code, Ontario Employment Standards), and health & safety regulations.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives and contribute to a supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health, social sciences, adult education, or a related field.
• Strong communication, presentation, and group facilitation expertise.
• Experience in health promotion, community organizing, social marketing, program design, and evaluation with youth and marginalized groups.
• At least three years’ community-based health promotion experience working with marginalized populations.
• Skills in developing marketing materials for programs and services.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and independently.
• Competence in providing consultations and educational services to healthcare facilities and community agencies.
• Ability to manage workload, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient with client record systems, word processing, email, PowerPoint; familiarity with Microsoft Access, Excel, and internet research.
• Capacity to provide program input for evaluation and priority setting.
• Second language proficiency considered an asset.
• Valid driver's license required.

Personal Attributes

Service orientation, initiative, results-focused mindset, flexibility, collaboration, effective communication, teamwork capability, accountability, conceptual thinking, efficiency, alliance-building, creativity, analytical skills, empathy.

Additional Information

• This is a bargaining unit position governed by the collective agreement.
• Work hours are Monday to Friday, 35 hours weekly, with potential evening and occasional weekend shifts.
• Annual salary ranges from $68,465 to $75,512 based on experience and skills, with participation in the HOOPP pension plan.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, with accommodations for protected human rights grounds.
• DCHC values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from racially marginalized, Indigenous, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-deserving individuals.
• Recruitment involves reference checks, criminal background including vulnerable sector screening.
• Accommodation requests for accessibility needs are supported.