internal/external posting
job title: Peer Navigator (Primary Care)
job ID #: IHS HRPN 26-0714
department: Integrated Health Services
reports to: Sr. Manager Mobile Health and System Navigation
salary range: CS1 ($21.36 - $29.50)
status: Part-Time Contract (10 Month contract)
hours: 22.5 hours per week
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 Peer Navigator works as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide peer-to-peer education, support and service navigation to community members within Sherbourne programs (that could include harm reduction, hepatitis C, primary care and other areas as identified).
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).
Responsibilities and Tasks:
Peer Navigators will support clients of various Sherbourne programs (Primary Care, Acute Respite Care (ARC), Hepatitis C, Downtown East Toronto Health Transitions Team and STASH (our harm reduction drop-in for people who use drugs)) through:
- Outreach: develop and implement outreach activities to reach more clients
- Education and supplies for clients: distribute supplies and provide education on topics relevant to the peer’s experience (in peer-to-peer encounters and in workshops/education sessions)
- Peer-Navigation Support: help clients access services through referrals, accompanying them to appointments and sharing knowledge of the healthcare system
- Education for staff: provide guidance and training for Sherbourne staff to provide culturally competent care for people who access various programs
- Program Development: participate in program development by bringing peer-based and lived expertise to the program
- Program Statistics: keep track of program encounters and the number of people reached
- Network with internal and community partners to ensure client access to services
- Build relationships with program partners, at Sherbourne and in the community, including but not limited to health and community service agencies, businesses, community groups, and faith-based organizations
- Communicate effectively with Sherbourne and partner agency staff to ensure needs are met and clients are receiving effective and efficient service.
- Make notes on all client encounters appropriately and on time.
- Remind clients of appointments and accompany them, when needed
- Help out with program delivery in other areas as needed (e.g. WINK, ARC, Hep C program, SOY, HTT, Primary Care)
- De-escalate conflict with participants, according to established protocols
- Offer support and guidance to program colleagues to meet project deliverables
- Support compiling of data and reports, as needed
- Examples of program specific duties:
- Share information on primary care services in the community with people not attached to care
- Support people with access to healthcare through various referral pathways, including but not limited to chronic disease management, mental health and cancer screening services
To thrive in this role, you’ll need
education/experience/skills/abilities:
- Diploma in a discipline related to health, social services or harm reduction is not necessary but is considered an asset
- 2 years experience working in a community setting is considered an asset
- Peer-based lived experience and expertise to support clients in similar situations
- Volunteer or work experience within similar programs
- Knowledge and experience related to program topics and activities
- Demonstrated experience of working effectively with our priority client populations – people living in poverty, racialized populations, Indigenous peoples, individuals engaged in sex work, prisoners/ex-prisoners, people with mental health challenges, newcomers, refugees, and 2SLGBTQ people
- Strong knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities and the community and government programs that affect them
- 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, understands and maintains client/worker boundaries.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the programs at Sherbourne and partner agencies.
- Ability to use computer technology, including electronic medical records.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
working conditions:
- This position requires work during usual business hours in an office environment as well as community locations.
- There is occasional work during evenings and weekends to meet program needs or for special events.
to apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume (saved as one document) quoting Job ID# IHS HRPN – 26-0714 to [email protected] by 5:00pm on July 31, 2026.
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.
Pay: $21.36-$29.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
