Care Coordinator - HIV & HCV Programs

Position Title: Care Coordinator - HIV & HCV Programs

The Opportunity

Are you someone who believes that healthcare should meet people where they are – without judgement, without barriers, and with compassion at the centre of every interaction?

The Gilbert Centre is looking for a Care Coordinator to join our multidisciplinary Health Program team in Barrie, Ontario. Reporting to the Health Program Manager, the Care Coordinator provides case management, referrals, health education, and system navigation for people living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).

In this role, you will work alongside individuals to identify their needs, navigate healthcare and social service systems, overcome barriers to accessing care, and connect with the supports and resources that contribute to their health and well-being.

You will play an important role in supporting systemically underserved communities, including 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities, people who use drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Through outreach, education, harm reduction, and ongoing client engagement, you will help bridge the gap between clinical healthcare services and community-based supports throughout Simcoe Muskoka.

Working collaboratively with clinical staff, social work, peer support, and community partners, you will contribute to an integrated, client-centred approach to care that prioritizes accessibility, autonomy, and continuity of support.

This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, engage with diverse communities, and contribute to a health program that recognizes the importance of meeting people where they are.

About Us

The Gilbert Centre for Social and Support Services is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. Our mandate extends to supporting people at risk of, living with, and affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), as well as supporting and celebrating the lives of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities in our regions.

We take a broad, social-determinants-of-health approach to our work, grounded in social justice, health equity, and human rights. We seek to engage individuals, families, organizations, institutions, and communities as partners and collaborators. We operate from a value system of harm reduction, sex positivity, queer and trans inclusion, and work towards greater anti-oppressive practices. We hope to see a future that does not criminalize sex work or narcotics use.

Scope of the Position

The Care Coordinator provides case management, client support, referrals, health education, and system navigation services to individuals living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). The position plays an important role in supporting systemically underserved communities, including 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities, people who use drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Working within the Gilbert Centre's multidisciplinary Health Program, the Care Coordinator collaborates with clinical staff, social work, peer support, and other program team members to facilitate access to integrated healthcare and community-based support services. This includes supporting individuals in navigating HIV, HCV, and STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, and referral pathways, while helping address barriers to accessing and remaining connected to care.

Through ongoing case management, outreach, education, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare providers and community partners, the Care Coordinator supports continuity of care and helps individuals access the resources and services they need to improve their health and well-being.

The position is grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed, low-barrier, and client-centred approaches that recognize the intersecting social, structural, and systemic barriers experienced by the populations served. The Care Coordinator works alongside individuals to support their autonomy, dignity, and self-determination while bridging the gap between clinical healthcare services and community-based supports throughout Simcoe Muskoka.

Responsibilities and Related Tasks

Case Management & Client Support

• Provide case management for people living with HIV/AIDS (PHA), HCV, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), including individuals from systemically underserved communities such as 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities, people who use drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Facilitate supportive transitions through a continuum of care, including collaboration with colleagues, providing HIV, HCV, and STBBI point-of-care testing, promoting pathways to PrEP and PEP, and maintaining strong working relationships with healthcare providers offering HIV, HCV, STBBI, and gender-affirming healthcare services.
• Support individuals in navigating the healthcare system, including accessing HIV, HCV, and STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, and ongoing support services.
• Support continuity of care through regular client follow-up, identification of barriers to accessing healthcare, and coordination of appropriate referrals and services.
• Assist clients in understanding available healthcare options and making informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
• Support individuals in accessing appropriate clinical services within the Gilbert Centre Health Program and through external healthcare providers.

Community Engagement, Outreach & Education

• Provide in-person community outreach, education, and tabling activities that promote the health and well-being of diverse communities, including people living with and affected by HIV, HCV, and other STBBIs.
• Contribute to the atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre through interactions with participants, Ambassadors, and volunteers, and participate in community programming activities.
• Promote awareness and access to HIV prevention options, including PrEP and PEP, and facilitate connections to appropriate clinical services.
• Provide harm reduction education and resources related to safer substance use, safer sex, and reducing the transmission of HIV, HCV, and other STBBIs.
• Participate in community-based initiatives that improve access to healthcare and promote engagement with Gilbert Centre Health Program services.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary Health Program team, including nursing, clinical, social work, peer support, and linkage to care staff, to support coordinated and client-centred services.
• Participate in collaborative care planning and case discussions to identify client needs, address barriers, and coordinate appropriate supports and referrals.
• Collaborate with the Social Worker and Linkage to Care Coordinator to support individuals experiencing complex barriers to healthcare access and ongoing engagement in care.
• Maintain awareness of local health and social services and refer clients appropriately.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required and as per the Collective Agreement.
• Embody, support, and engage with GIPA/MEPA principles and activities.
• Support transitions between clinical services, peer support, social services, and community-based resources to promote continuity of care.
• Assist with planning World AIDS Day events, World Hepatitis Day activities, and other HIV, HCV, and STBBI-related community events.

• Promote the organization and its services within the community.

Documentation, Program Evaluation & Administration

• Utilize various funder reporting tools (i.e. OCHART/OCASE/TREAT) in accordance with program tracking and evaluation measures and prepare relevant reports as needed.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, referrals, follow-up, and services provided in accordance with organizational policies and funder requirements.
• Contribute to program evaluation and quality improvement activities by identifying service gaps, barriers to access, and opportunities to improve client engagement and service delivery.
• Assist with compiling information for program reporting and evaluation.
• Support the preparation and use of educational materials and resources.
• Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social sciences, health promotion, social work, adult education, community development, or a related field) and/or an equivalent combination of lived/living experience, education, and work experience.
• Knowledge of HIV, HCV, and STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, and support services.
• Experience providing case management, client support, outreach, and system navigation, including connecting individuals with clinical, social, and community-based resources, is an asset.
• Understanding of harm reduction principles and practices, trauma-informed, client-centred, and low-barrier approaches to service delivery.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, healthcare settings, or community-based service environments is an asset.
• Valid driver's licence, with a three-year driver's abstract, and willingness to travel throughout Simcoe/Muskoka for work-related duties are required.
• Excellent computer skills, with the ability to use a variety of software (Microsoft 365 products, SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-oppression principles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are required.
• Strong interpersonal, decision making, conflict management, critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills are required.
• Ability to engage in open, respectful, and non-judgmental conversations about substance use, sexual health, and other potentially stigmatized topics.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $25.03/hour
• Hours: 0 FTE
• Benefits: Canada Life – Health, Dental, Vision, and Drug coverage
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 3 weeks’ sick leave, and 1 week float (starting entitlements)
• Schedule: Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Bargaining Unit: CUPE Local 1813.14

Working Conditions

• May involve walking or standing for periods of time during community-based activities, events, partner-agency visits, or collaborative outreach activities.

• Lift up to 20 lbs.

• May occasionally require carrying program materials, harm reduction supplies, or educational resources, with appropriate support and equipment.

• Frequent computer use.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• The position involves travel across Simcoe Muskoka and work in clinic, community-based, and partner-agency settings, including shelters, drop-ins, correctional settings, community events, pop-up clinics, and outreach sites, as appropriate and in collaboration with existing outreach programs and partners.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people with all lived or living experiences. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We recognize that the “perfect candidate” doesn’t exist. If this role excites you and you meet most of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Disclosure: This position is currently being reviewed by the CUPE bargaining unit. The terms and conditions of this position may change based on this review.