Title: Community Development Worker
Reports to: Primary Care, Manager
Position Type: Permanent: full-time 1.0 FTE (35 hours/week)
Salary: $28.91 -$34.01 per hour
Vacancy Status: New Vacancy
Location: Kingston, ON
Position Summary
As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Community Development Worker (CDW) provides trauma-informed, client-centered support to individuals and families navigating complex and intersecting challenges such as housing insecurity, poverty, food insecurity, social isolation, and systemic exclusion. Grounded in a social determinant of health framework, the CDW helps clients access essential services, fosters connection to community resources, and advocates for equitable access across systems.
This role emphasizes building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and working collaboratively to reduce barriers to care. The CDW is actively involved in both individualized support and broader community development efforts, including health promotion, education, and the coordination of practical assistance (e.g., year-round access to food, gas, and transportation supports). The CDW also contributes to internal initiatives such as program evaluation, quality improvement, and social prescribing.
Application Instructions
- Please include a cover letter clearly outlining how your skills and experiences correspond with the specific job qualifications along with your resume.
- Save all documents as a single PDF file using your own name (Last, First).
- Applications must be submitted to Human Resources by Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11:59pm.
Key Responsibilities
Client Care
- Apply trauma-informed care principles (safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, cultural humility) in all client interactions.
- Provide individualized support and case management in navigating community resources such as applying for government services and benefits (e.g., OW, ODSP, OESP, CPP, ID, health coverage) and securing and maintaining access to essential resources including, but not limited to housing, utilities, food, medication, dental care, and
- Maintain and distribute year-round practical supports such as grocery and gas gift cards, bus tickets, clothing, and other material goods.
- Offer empathetic, strengths-based, and culturally responsive support, including informal emotional support and guidance during sensitive or traumatic conversations.
- Make timely and appropriate referrals to internal and external supports, including mental health and addiction services.
- Support social prescribing and client connection to wellness, skill-building, and community programs.
Community Engagement & Program Support
- Promote client awareness of available community services and assist in developing plans of care that build long-term resilience and social inclusion.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to support the wraparound services and reduce systemic barriers.
- Participate in and contribute to community-building and social connection activities such as Talking Cafés and group programming.
- Support development of donation networks and emergency relief strategies to address urgent client needs.
- Participate in outreach activities and community education to foster inclusion and access to care.
- Identifies and advocates around systemic and community-level issues affecting structurally vulnerable populations.
Evaluation, Data & Quality Improvement
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all client encounters in accordance with agency and privacy standards.
- Contribute to internal evaluation and quality improvement initiatives by collecting service data, reporting on trends, and identifying areas for enhancement.
- Assist in the planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at improving patient navigation and access (e.g., through analysis of intake forms, registration data, etc.).
- Prepare written reports and summaries as needed, including tracking frequency of presenting issues and outcomes achieved.
- Participate in team functions, including team meetings, program planning, case conferences, and committees
Organizational Responsibilities
- Complies with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws.
- Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion.
- Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures.
- Supervision of trainees/learners; Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs.
- Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement.
- On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required.
Basic Education and Experience Requirements
- College diploma or degree in Social Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related human services field—or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in direct client support, outreach, or advocacy with structurally vulnerable populations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care and relational approaches in working with clients facing structural and social barriers.
- Strong knowledge of the social determinants of health and how systemic exclusion impacts client well-being.
- Proficiency in navigating government benefit systems and digital tools for service access (e.g., OW, ODSP, CRA portals, ID replacement).
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.
- Familiarity with community resources in Kingston and surrounding area.
- Proficiency in documenting service delivery in client information systems (e.g., PSS, Excel).
- Knowledge of privacy legislation, harm reduction, and child protection standards.
Other Requirements
- Reliable attendance, ability to meet the physical demands of the position.
- Ability to work some evening and/or weekend shifts.
- Immunization Records.
- Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check.
- French, or other second language is an asset.
- Access to reliable vehicle.
- Valid Driver’s Licence, Driver’s and proof of vehicle liability insurance as this is a requirement under KCHC’s insurance provider (HIROC).
As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession.
All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.
At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.
We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC.
Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.
KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.
Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4
www.KCHC.ca