Job Title: Wellness Navigator (12 month contract)
Department: Newcomer Community Services
Reports To: Manager, Newcomer Community Services
Hours of Work: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: October 16, 2026
Job Purpose
The Wellness Navigator will assist individuals and families in accessing mental health, wellness, and community resources. Using anti-gender-based violence, Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), trauma-informed care, and equity-focused practices, the Wellness Navigator will work collaboratively with clients, volunteers, community organizations and colleagues to remove barriers to wellness and support individuals in achieving sustainable, positive outcomes.
The role requires excellent interpersonal skills, a comprehensive understanding of community systems, and a genuine passion for helping vulnerable populations reach their personal wellness goals.
The role is a combination of working at CDCD’s offices located in Ajax and Oshawa.
Company Overview
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Using client-centered, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with existing community partners, vendors, staff and volunteers.
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, staff, volunteers and clients
- Promote a high-functioning teamwork environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
- Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities
Outreach and Community Engagement
- Develop and distribute promotional materials that are culturally inclusive and accessible (e.g., translated into multiple languages, plain language formats, and accessible formats for persons with disabilities).
- Foster client participation by addressing barriers such as language, childcare, transportation, and accessibility needs.
- Engage diverse community partners, including women’s organizations, LGBTQIA+ groups, disability advocacy organizations, and cultural associations.
- Regularly connect and follow up with newcomers, particularly those from equity-deserving groups, such as racialized communities, seniors, women fleeing violence, and individuals with disabilities, to promote wellness by sharing tailored information and referrals.
- Plan and conduct monthly Newcomer Wellness Check sessions with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and intersectional approach with youth, seniors and families.
- Organize culturally appropriate events that reflect the diverse lived experiences of newcomers and create safe, welcoming spaces for participation.
- Provide referrals to community supports and the Durham Welcome Centres with an awareness of systemic barriers that clients may face.
- Work collaboratively with the Volunteer Services Coordinator to identify volunteer support needs, recruit, train and coordinate volunteer involvement in Wellness Navigator activities and initiatives.
Client and Peer Support Groups
- Conduct intake assessments using an intersectional approach to identify clients’ unique needs, strengths, and systemic challenges.
- Develop and implement personalized wellness plans that consider diverse gender roles, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural perspectives on health and wellness.
- Revitalize Peer Support groups and provide holistic support, ensuring equitable access to mental health supports, housing, financial stability resources, and wellness programs.
- Identify barriers to accessing services and support clients in navigating appropriate resources and referrals.
Marketing and Promotion
- Create promotional materials that reflect diverse representation and inclusive language.
- Facilitate and deliver community presentations that incorporate anti-GBV, GBA+ principles, ensuring they are accessible to individuals with different literacy levels, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Leverage social media and alternative communication methods to reach underrepresented communities effectively.
Navigation and Advocacy
- Serve as a liaison between clients and service providers, advocating for equitable access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment services.
- Advocate for equitable access to services and help clients navigate barriers to wellness and support.
- Assist clients in navigating gendered impacts of wellness challenges (e.g., gender-based violence, employment discrimination, caregiving burdens).
- Provide information, referrals, and guidance based on clients’ individual needs and circumstances.
- Maintain current knowledge of community resources, eligibility requirements, and referral pathways.
Education and Capacity Building
- Facilitate wellness, self-care, and mental health awareness workshops workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions with a focus on diverse lived experiences and needs
- Organize and host wellness activities and events, such as newcomer wellness sessions and wellness fairs, in collaboration with internal and community partners.
- Empower clients by providing education on their rights and self-advocacy skills, particularly for marginalized groups facing systemic barriers.
- Ensure wellness activities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse participant needs. (e.g., offering childcare, transportation support, and accessibility measures).
Internal Collaboration and External Partnership Development
- Report to and collaborate with the PCE Manager to organize wellness activities that support work-life balance for staff, with a focus on staff-related wellness initiatives.
- Serve as the co-lead and active member of CDCD’s anti-GBV and Wellness Communities.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with equity-seeking organizations, including gender equity groups, Indigenous organizations, disability networks, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy group.
- Collaborate with team members, counselors, and social service professionals to ensure intersectional, client-centered care.
- Work with government and community partners to address policy gaps and improve inclusivity in service delivery.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions and progress while ensuring data collection methods are sensitive to diverse identities (e.g., allowing clients to self-identify gender, race, and accessibility needs).
- Prepare board, funder, and iCARE reports and use data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for program improvement.
- Ensure ethical handling of client and staff information, with appropriate attention to privacy, confidentiality, and safety.
The job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong familiarity with local community resources, social service networks, and government assistance programs.
- Superior communication skills, oral and written proficiency in English.
- Has a strong capability to work in a team environment and support the separate functions that make a team, as well as work on individual tasks that support that overall program.
- Proficiency in a second language would be an asset.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Works effectively with cross-functional teams while effectively managing competing priorities.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural communities.
- Knowledge of gender-based violence, anti-oppression principles and trauma-informed approaches.
- Strong computer literacy (i.e. word processing, databases, and email) and experience working in on-line environments with web-based tools
- Legally permitted to work in Canada
Competencies and desired behaviors:
- Professional and polished demeanor, with excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic, integrity, and ability to build trust and rapport.
- Must have a superior level of integrity and demonstrated ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
- High-level attention to detail and takes personal pride in work performed.
- Maintains flexibility and performs well under pressure.
- Demonstrates a high degree of initiative and judgment.
- Highly motivated, dynamic, proactive and forward-thinking individual with exemplary interpersonal skills
- Able to work both independently and within a team context.
- Capable of effectively managing stressful situations in a fast-paced environment
- Highly motivated, organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines.
- Responds to stressful situations in a calm, collected and professional manner
- Demonstrates the ability to deal effectively with a variety of people and resolve conflict when necessary.
- Strong decision-making ability and keen attention to detail
- Must be proactive
Additional Requirements
- Must provide valid criminal records check prior to commencing employment.
- Will need to be flexible regarding assigned work hours and location.
- Be physically able to function effectively in an environment that includes both a normal office and duties being carried out in an external setting
- A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings.
- Able to lift up to 20 lbs. Prolonged sitting is required.
This job posting relates to an open vacancy . The recruitment process does not involve artificial intelligence or automated decision-making. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are conducted by human reviewers.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.
CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.
CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.
CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
