Description

Job Summary:

The Community and Counselling Team Program Assistant provides ongoing administrative support to the Community and Counselling teams. Duties include assisting with program registration and promotion, data collection, documenting client information, appointment/group reminder calls, scheduling, and the development of promotional materials, etc. The Program Assistant sets up team meetings and supports the organization of agendas and meeting minutes. The ideal candidate is adaptable and proactive, with a willingness to take on a range of tasks in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, client-centered care and make a positive impact in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.

Service Responsibilities:

• Assists in the communications strategy for the Centre by maintaining and updating key messaging as per CHCN and team initiatives i.e. updating health boards, creating brochures, helping to print and distribute/promote the calendar of events, creating orientation resources etc.
• Completes photocopying, filing, typing, and general administrative support to the Community and Counselling teams
• Assists with client and group registration, scanning of client information, scheduling, room bookings, and data collection for the Community and Counselling teams
• Assists with the weekly function of the Food Cupboard, including set up, administration and volunteer management
• Supports volunteer management by maintaining positive volunteer relations, coordinating volunteer schedules, gathering materials, coordinating tasks, scheduling space, and providing additional support as needed

• Attends group activities, workshops, health fairs and other events as required to assist the team
• Provides support for program activities such as rescheduling or cancellation of calls, if necessary, and preparation of handouts and group resources/materials
• Supports the food security program through setup, take down, organizing supplies, assisting volunteers, welcoming clients and maintaining client lists and attendance, etc.
• Assists with back-fill activities in the event of staff illness/absence. This could include coordinating food security initiatives, and / or ensuring group activities continue as planned
• Provides administrative support for meetings such as scheduling, room booking, agenda/material prep, minute taking, and attendance tracking
• Provides assistance in the tracking of team budgets, volunteer reimbursement, credit card purchases, etc.
• Supports and assists in the coordination of the Social Prescribing program including referrals, completing initial assessments with clients, ensuring appropriate follow-up occurs and tracking program statistics.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Integrates a health equity, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe approach into all aspects of care and service delivery.
• Adheres to the vison, mission, and values of CHCN
• Seeks to understand and follow the CHC philosophy and model of care
• Integrates into all work functions the principle of client and family-centred care and adheres to the CHCN Welcome Policy and commitment to Health Equity
• Treats all individuals with respect and value, contributing to a positive, respectful and safe workplace
• Incorporates critical thinking practice and a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, decision-making, and service delivery
• Works in a manner that respects privacy and preserves confidentiality by following all relevant policies.
• Promotes safety and seeks to minimize risks to clients, staff, visitors, and CHCN property and reputation.
• Commits to safe practices and works in a manner that demonstrates responsibility for following the Centre’s safe work standards, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Canadian Centre for
• Takes responsibility for and reports any unsafe/at risk conditions or occurrences, keeping in mind the principles of the CHCN Just Culture
• Communicates in a timely and positive manner with the appropriate manager regarding job content, specific objectives and personal Identifies performance goals, objectives and learning needs
• Seeks to identify, respond, and collaborate to resolve concerns in a timely manner, being open to different ideas and opportunities for innovation and quality improvement
• Collects and reports statistical (quantitative and qualitative) information as required
• Incorporates and contributes to the Centre’s efforts for service in excellence and continuous quality improvement by identifying, implementing and evaluating standards, policies and practices to support best practices
• Participates as a team member in staff functions: program planning, team and inter-team meetings, organizational staff meetings and team building
• Performs other duties as assigned

Professional Development:

• Maintains and develops professional competence through on-going professional development and stays current and aware of opportunities to implement new health promotion initiatives
• Participates in self-directed learning to ensure that practice remains relevant by attending professional conferences, e-learning and journal reviews
• Communicates with relevant professional groups to maintain professional linkages and professional support

Experience

Qualifications:

• College Diploma in secretarial training, business or office administration program
• 3 to 5 years’ experience as an administrative assistant or program secretary
• Experience working with disenfranchised and vulnerable populations who have difficulty accessing health care
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications
• Knowledge of community, the health sector including primary health care and community health centres
• Ability to manage competing job demands and prioritize accordingly
• Experience with minute taking, writing and editing
• Experience working with volunteers would be an asset
• Able to work flexible hours as required
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Police clearance documentation will be required for employment – Vulnerable sector check
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable vehicle is required
• Food Handler Certification is an asset

Hours: 35/week

Salary: $23-26/hour

Temporary contract – 6 months

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Community Health Centres of Northumberland will provide assistance to applicants who request accommodation throughout the recruitment process.

 At the CHCN, we value diversity – in backgrounds and in experiences. Healthcare is a universal concern and we invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions to help build the future of healthcare and our communities.

Note that the CHCN is a scent free work environment and we ask that you refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.

Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume, to [email protected] citing “Community Program Assistant”. This competition will remain open April 17, 2026; the Community Health Centres of Northumberland reserves the right to contact and interview candidates prior to this deadline.

Please note, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.