Job Title

Health Programs Manager Full-Time, Permanent Management Position Gilbert Centre for Social and Support Services Barrie, Ontario The Opportunity Are you a leader who believes that meaningful change happens when we walk alongside people not ahead of them? Do you want to build programs rooted in autonomy, compassion, and justice? Why the Gilbert Centre We are a justice-informed, harm reduction organization that does things differently and we are proud of that. We walk alongside people rather than leading them. We believe in the dignity and autonomy of everyone who comes through our doors, and we are building something meaningful. Here's what you can expect: $60,000$75,000 salaried at 35 hours per week Comprehensive Canada Life benefits (health, dental, vision, drugs) Generous PTO: 3 weeks vacation, 3 weeks sick, 1 week float, 1 week management credit Management position with meaningful influence on program direction Culture rooted in autonomy, hope, courage, and compassion for staff, not just clients Support for ongoing professional development About Us The Gilbert Centre is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. The mandate of the Centre has since broadened to not only support people at risk of, living with, and affected by HIV, HCV, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), but also to support and celebrate the lives of the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities in our regions. The Gilbert Centre takes 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 in our work. 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. What You'll Do Leadership & Supervision Provide direct supervision for up to 10 in-scope (unionized) health program staff, including a team of: Care Coordinators, Linkage to Care Worker, Clinic Support Worker, Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and a Social Worker. Provide programmatic and administrative supervision to health program staff; where applicable, professional/clinical supervision remains with the appropriate regulated professional/practice lead in accordance with standards of practice and organizational structure. Work collaboratively with management and staff to implement the current Collective Agreement and foster a positive working relationship with CUPE Local 1813.14. Foster a team culture of trust, communication, and mutual accountability consistent with the Gilbert Centres Leadership Expectations Framework. Lead goal setting, performance reviews, and provide regular, ongoing feedback to support professional growth and organizational consistency. Promote psychological safety and emotional wellness within the team. Integrate lived/living experience leadership into program design, delivery, and evaluation. Engage in ongoing professional development and relationship building with sector peers, funders, and networks to strengthen health program leadership and external visibility. Program Management Set priorities and make sound operational decisions in a dynamic environment with competing demands, shifting funding requirements, and urgent client/community needs. Lead implementation of program changes with clear communication, staff engagement, and attention to service continuity. Develop and implement strategies aligned with the goals outlined by the Ministry of Health, with a focus on reducing new HIV and HCV infections and ensuring access to timely treatment and care for individuals diagnosed with HIV and/or HCV. Oversee day-to-day health program operations, including program development, service scheduling, inventory management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement, while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community needs. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows to support quality, consistency, and compliance with regulatory requirements, standards of practice, organizational policies, and the Collective Agreement. Ensure program compliance with applicable privacy, documentation, infection prevention/control (as relevant), occupational health and safety, funder requirements, and organizational risk management practices. Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping practices in accordance with legal and ethical standards. Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure integrated and comprehensive care for clients. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes affecting program operations. Collaborate with the Community Program Manager to ensure seamless pathways between health and community programs. Community Engagement and Partnerships Nurture and strengthen formal pathways with Public Health, Community Health Centres, shelters, housing providers, and allied services to coordinate outreach and in-reach to enhance access to services for priority populations. Integrate feedback from peers and people with lived/living experience into program design and evaluation. Collaborate with relevant partners to develop educational programming and outreach initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS and HCV within the community. Planning, Evaluation & Reporting Lead program evaluation, performance measurement, and funder reporting, including use of data systems, dashboards, and outcome reporting tools (e.g., OCHART, Treat, NEO, and internal dashboards). Work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure funder systems, reports, and grant documentation are accurate and submitted on time. Contribute to budget planning and resource allocation in collaboration with the management team. Shared Organizational Leadership Demonstrate commitment to the Gilbert Centres Vision, Mission, and Principles, and the Centres Leadership Expectations Framework, through action and by supporting success under the current Strategic Plan. Participate in strategic planning, risk management, and policy development as part of the management team. Support or lead Centre-wide events and initiatives such as World AIDS Day, community testing drives, fundraising campaigns, and public education activities, in collaboration with other managers and staff. Lead or support organizational projects related to technology, systems improvement, and compliance. Contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre by interacting with participants and volunteers and by participating in community programming activities when available. Collaborate with management and other Gilbert Centre staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centres programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events. Contribute to the Joint Health & Safety Committee as a certified management representative (training will be provided). Other administrative and operational duties and responsibilities as required. How You'll Do It At the Gilbert Centre, the how matters as much as the what. As Health Programs Manager, you will be expected to ground your leadership and decision-making in the following approaches: Harm Reduction as an Organizational Ethic Harm reduction at the Gilbert Centre is not a program it is the lens through which all services are designed, delivered, and evaluated. You will champion approaches that prioritize safer use, meet people where they are, and reject abstinence as a precondition for support. You will lead with the understanding that criminalization and stigma not substance use itself are the primary drivers of harm. In line with our strategic plan, we enact justice and equity by embodying our guiding principles. As Health Programs Manager, you will demonstrate these values in your leadership, your interactions, and your decision-making: Hope: Instill and inspire hope in every encounter. Compassion: Act with compassion grounded in our shared humanity. Courage: Use courage and curiosity to embrace change. Autonomy: Empower others by honouring their autonomy in every moment. Qualifications Required Post-secondary education in a relevant field of study, including social work, management and leadership, public health, health promotion, and nursing, or equivalent experience (educational, work, volunteer, lived, etc.). Minimum 35 years of progressive experience in program coordination/management within health, community health, or social services, including experience supervising staff. Strong understanding of HIV/AIDS and HCV prevention, treatment, and care, social determinants of health, as well as harm reduction principles and practices. Excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Experience working with marginalized and underserved populations. Legally able to work in Canada. Strong computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and the ability to learn funder reporting systems and internal databases. Ability to travel throughout Simcoe/Muskoka for work-related duties in a reliable and timely manner. A valid driver's licence and access to a vehicle are assets. PREFERRED Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment and applying collective agreement language in day-to-day management. Experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, and workflows to support quality, consistency, and compliance. Proficiency in French (written and verbal) would be an asset. Experience with program evaluation, performance measurement, funder reporting systems, and contributing to budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation is an asset. Additional Context This role is essential for meaningfully engaging and supporting systemically marginalized communities, including people living with HIV, people living with HCV, 2S-LGBTQ+ communities, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The Health Programs Manager will oversee program operations to ensure that these populations receive the necessary support and resources. Working Conditions Due to the nature of our work, there may be potential exposure to needles/sharps. Training, policies, and appropriate safety protocols are in place. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support program operations, events, or community engagement activities. How to Apply Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 doesnt 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. AI Disclosure AI assisted with this posting and interview questions only AI is not used for screening or selection. #J-18808-Ljbffr