Program Worker

Sherbourne Health; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Toronto is seeking a Program Worker to provide client advocacy and resource support. This full-time role involves facilitating community programs for people experiencing homelessness and working in a collaborative team environment. Candidates should have relevant education and outreach experience, particularly with marginalized communities. The organization values diversity and offers competitive compensation and pension membership.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Qualifications

• At least 2 years outreach experience in a health care or social services setting.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of and comfort with working from a harm reduction perspective.

Responsibilities

• Provide staffing support to STASH and HARM Reduction programming.
• Communicate effectively with staff and partner agency staff.
• Document all client encounters in the EMR system.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

Post Secondary Education in Social Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Accuro EMR

Job description

job title: Program Worker

job ID #: IHS PW 25-1117

department: Mental Health and Harm Reduction, Integrated Health Services

reports to: Senior Manager, Mental Health and Harm Reduction

salary range: (CS) $23.75 to 32.76 per hour

status: Full-time, Contract (6 months contract)

hours: 37.5 hours per week

vacancy: 1

Who we are:

Sherbourne is a leading provider of quality health care and transformative support to people who face social, economic, and other systemic barriers. Our mission is to be a dynamic provider of integrated health services, community programs and capacity‑building initiatives that enable people and diverse communities to achieve wellness.

Sherbourne provides innovative health care and social services to the diverse urban population of southeast Toronto. While our doors are open to everyone, we focus on people experiencing homelessness or who are under‑housed; 2SLGBTQ+, and newcomers to Canada. We are funded by the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services, the City of Toronto and many generous donors and foundations.

About the role:

The Program Worker will provide client advocacy and resource support to service users and community members, and will make appropriate internal and external referrals. They will support facilitation of community programs aimed at engaging people experiencing homelessness. The Program Worker will also provide dedicated support to our Harm Reduction Drop‑in (STASH – Supplies, Testing, Access, Support, Harm Reduction) and our Women’s drop‑in (WINK – Women in Need Klinic), as well as support for the Sherbourne Health Bus. The Program Worker will be involved supporting outreach initiatives, as well as new internal and external partner programming.

Working at Sherbourne

At Sherbourne Health, we care about our staff and recognize that our biggest strength is our people. We have a solid commitment to life‑long learning which is demonstrated through our professional development program. We invest in collective work and staff training to improve client care. We supplement this by creating a low‑barrier work environment built on equity and respect, while working together in caring, cohesive teams and providing opportunities for advancement.

We believe in work‑life balance and offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

Day to day responsibilities:

Direct Service

• Provides staffing support to STASH, providing Harm Reduction supplies and education/client advocacy and resource support, Naloxone training, and other items stored in drop‑in to clients as needed.
• Develop and facilitate Harm Reduction programming at the centre.
• Ensures the STASH is stocked with supplies.
• Supports tracking of Harm Reduction supplies.
• Communicates effectively while on site with Sherbourne staff and partner agency staff to ensure needs are met and clients are receiving effective and efficient service.
• Provides information and refers clients to services, including Sherbourne’s programs and services.
• Documents all client encounters in the EMR system, ensuring documentation is completed according to Timely Documentation policy.
• Provides preparation support and attends shifts in WINK drop‑in: prepares community board, develops interactive programming opportunities, participates in day‑of program set‑up, provides program information to external and internal clients, and provides appropriate information and referrals to clients.
• Fulfills STASH specific documentation and tracking requirements.
• Attends scheduled Health Bus stops as required by the program, working to ensure efficient flow of clients.
• Maintains supplies in the Harm Reduction Carts and in the Harm Reduction cabinets outside the Centre.
• Organizes and maintains the program supplies including Health Bus & harm reduction equipment throughout the Centre.
• Accompany clients to offsite appointments, as necessary.

Administration

• Represents the Integrated Health Services on assigned internal committees, working groups and teams.
• Actively participates in Integrated Health Services program initiatives.
• Provides constructive feedback on the program design and output.
• Other duties as assigned.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need

education/experience:

• Post Secondary Education in Social Services or related field and at least 2 years outreach experience in a health care or social services setting, or an equivalent blend.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s license (G Driving License) and willingness to drive is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with marginalized communities and decreasing barriers.
• Knowledge of and comfort with working from a harm reduction perspective.
• Formally trained in and comfortable practicing de‑escalation techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding on the impacts of the social determinants of health.
• Working knowledge of social support systems for marginalized communities.
• Ability to work effectively with other team members and work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work within an anti‑oppression framework; understands and appreciates the diversity of our client and staff population and community.
• Engages in ethical conduct, follows established policies and procedures, using sound judgement.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the Programs at Sherbourne and partner agencies.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing workload in a fast‑paced setting while meeting the needs of multiple people.
• Proficient knowledge and skill in computer applications (Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, Accuro EMR).

conditions of employment:

• Offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of background checks i.e., professional references, education verification, criminal background check, and vulnerable sector check.
• Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others (staff, patients, families, etc.) by taking all reasonable precautions and working in compliance with SHC related policies, health and safety legislation and best practices.
• Understands and works within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation.

working conditions:

• The standard work week is 37.5 hours, working onsite, and offsite at various community settings. The Program Worker will work 4 days per week during the day, with at least 1 evening shift per week (12pm – 8pm).
• Occasional work on weekends may be required.
• The position requires diplomacy in dealing with many stakeholders, considerable multi‑tasking, and ability to set priorities as needed.

to apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume (saved as one document) quoting Job ID # IHS PW 2025-1117 to [e-mail] by December 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Sherbourne is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BOLD. KIND. REAL. OPEN. WE CARE.