Chapter Lead / Patient Wellbeing Coordinator - Job Opportunity at Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario

Hamilton, Canada
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 11, 2025
Hybrid
CAD 35 per hour

Benefits

Professional development opportunities with contract extensions and advancement pathways that demonstrate organizational investment in talent retention
Flexible scheduling arrangements allowing work-life balance while accommodating critical patient care needs
Hybrid work model combining remote efficiency with essential in-person patient interaction
Company-sponsored events fostering team cohesion and professional networking within the healthcare advocacy sector

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic regional expansion initiatives to grow SCAGO's presence and impact across Hamilton and surrounding areas, directly influencing organizational growth and market penetration
Provide comprehensive crisis intervention and trauma-informed care management for vulnerable populations, requiring advanced clinical judgment and immediate decision-making capabilities
Develop and maintain sophisticated database systems to track healthcare quality metrics and patient outcomes, driving evidence-based improvements in regional care standards
Establish and manage multi-stakeholder partnerships with hospitals, community health centers, and social service agencies to create integrated care networks
Conduct research initiatives including surveys and focus groups to generate actionable insights on community needs and service gaps
Facilitate both virtual and in-person peer support programs, requiring exceptional group facilitation and community engagement skills
Advocate for clients across multiple complex systems including disability benefits, housing, and healthcare access, demanding extensive knowledge of social service navigation

Requirements

Education

A masters' degree in social work (MSW) or psychology is mandatory

Experience

A minimum of 2 years+ experience working with racialized communities or patient organizations is desirable. Patient service: 3 years (required), Case management: 2 years (preferred), Administrative: 3 years (preferred), Project planning: 3 years (required)

Required Skills

Superior communication, problem-solving, time management, and documentation skills Ability to work collaboratively as member of a multidisciplinary team Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to manage a busy and varied caseload Background in qualitative and quantitative studies is an asset Experience providing consultation and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, etc.)

Certifications

Valid College licensure in Ontario (e.g., OCSWSSW) (required) Completion of a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector check
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Healthcare advocacy organizations are increasingly adopting hybrid service delivery models that combine digital outreach with intensive in-person support, reflecting the need to balance accessibility with the high-touch nature of patient advocacy work. This trend has accelerated post-pandemic as organizations recognize the efficiency gains of remote work while maintaining the critical human connection required for vulnerable populations. There is growing recognition of the need for culturally competent, community-based healthcare coordination, particularly for rare diseases like Sickle Cell Disease where patients often face systemic barriers and require specialized advocacy. This has led to increased funding and institutional support for patient navigator and community health worker positions. The integration of data-driven quality improvement initiatives in community health organizations reflects a broader shift toward evidence-based advocacy, where patient organizations are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and collaborate with healthcare institutions on systematic improvements rather than purely providing support services.

Salary Evaluation

At CAD 54,600 annually (30 hours x $35 x 52 weeks), this position offers competitive compensation for the Canadian non-profit healthcare sector, particularly considering the specialized nature of rare disease advocacy and the Master's degree requirement. The hourly rate aligns with mid-level social work positions in Ontario, though the part-time status may limit total compensation compared to full-time healthcare coordination roles which typically range CAD 60,000-75,000 annually.

Role Significance

The role appears to function within a small, specialized team structure typical of community health organizations, likely reporting directly to executive leadership while collaborating with 3-5 other chapter leads across the province. The position involves managing relationships with external multidisciplinary teams rather than supervising internal staff, reflecting the networked nature of community health advocacy work.
This role operates at a mid-level management position with significant autonomy and regional leadership responsibilities. The incumbent functions as both a direct service provider and a strategic leader, requiring the ability to manage complex caseloads while simultaneously building organizational capacity and community partnerships. The position demands advanced clinical skills combined with business development acumen.

Key Projects

Implementation of regional quality improvement initiatives targeting suboptimal hospital care experiences for Sickle Cell Disease patients, requiring data collection, analysis, and collaborative improvement planning with healthcare institutions Development of comprehensive employment and housing support programs addressing social determinants of health for the SCD community, involving partnership development with social services agencies and evaluation of program outcomes Establishment of peer support program infrastructure including both virtual and in-person components, requiring program design, facilitator training, and ongoing program evaluation and refinement

Success Factors

Exceptional cultural competency and lived understanding of the barriers faced by racialized communities in accessing healthcare, enabling authentic relationship building and effective advocacy across complex institutional systems Advanced crisis intervention and trauma-informed care capabilities, essential for managing the acute psychosocial needs of individuals with chronic pain conditions and the ability to provide immediate, effective support during medical emergencies and system navigation challenges Strategic thinking and relationship building skills necessary to establish sustainable partnerships with healthcare institutions, requiring the ability to communicate effectively with clinical teams, administrators, and community stakeholders while advancing organizational growth objectives Data management and research capabilities that enable evidence-based program development and quality improvement initiatives, crucial for demonstrating program value to funders and healthcare partners while identifying opportunities for systematic improvements in patient care

Market Demand

High demand exists for this type of specialized patient advocacy role as healthcare systems increasingly recognize the value of community-based care coordination, particularly for marginalized populations with complex medical conditions. The specific focus on Sickle Cell Disease, combined with the requirement for cultural competency with racialized communities, creates a niche market with limited qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Trauma-informed care and crisis intervention capabilities are absolutely essential given the chronic pain, medical emergencies, and systemic discrimination experienced by Sickle Cell Disease patients, requiring immediate, effective response capabilities and deep understanding of trauma's impact on health outcomes and healthcare engagement Cultural competency and authentic community engagement skills are fundamental to success in this role, as effective advocacy requires deep understanding of the historical and ongoing barriers faced by Black and African Caribbean communities in accessing healthcare, along with the ability to build trust and navigate cultural dynamics within both community and institutional settings Advanced case management and system navigation expertise is crucial for effectively advocating across multiple complex systems including healthcare, disability benefits, housing, and employment services, requiring detailed knowledge of eligibility criteria, application processes, and appeal procedures across various agencies and institutions

Beneficial Skills

Research and data analysis capabilities would significantly enhance the role's impact by enabling more sophisticated program evaluation, needs assessment, and evidence-based advocacy efforts that can influence policy and institutional practices Grant writing and fundraising experience would provide valuable skills for supporting organizational sustainability and program expansion, particularly important in the non-profit healthcare advocacy sector where funding diversification is crucial for long-term viability Healthcare quality improvement methodology knowledge would strengthen the role's capacity to collaborate effectively with hospital systems and contribute meaningfully to systematic improvements in care delivery for Sickle Cell Disease patients

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines direct clinical support with strategic organizational development, requiring the rare combination of advanced social work skills and business development capabilities within the specialized context of rare disease advocacy
The position offers the distinctive opportunity to directly influence healthcare quality improvement initiatives within hospital systems while maintaining deep community connections, creating a bridge role that can drive systemic change from both grassroots and institutional perspectives
The focus on Sickle Cell Disease advocacy provides exposure to cutting-edge approaches in culturally competent healthcare delivery and health equity initiatives, positioning the role at the forefront of evolving approaches to community-based health advocacy
The provincial collaboration component offers unique networking opportunities with other chapter leads and the potential to influence policy and program development at a provincial level, providing broader impact potential than typical local community health positions

Career Growth

Career advancement opportunities would typically emerge within 2-3 years given the rapid skill development expected in this high-responsibility role, with the potential for internal promotion within SCAGO or transition to larger regional health organizations seeking experienced community health leaders with demonstrated program development and partnership building capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Program Manager or Director positions within larger health advocacy organizations, leveraging the combination of direct service experience and strategic leadership capabilities developed in this role Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist roles within hospital systems or health authorities, building on the quality improvement and data management experience gained through tracking and addressing suboptimal care experiences Senior Policy Analyst or Advocate positions with health-focused non-profits or government agencies, utilizing the deep understanding of healthcare systems and community needs developed through this comprehensive patient advocacy experience

Company Overview

Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario

The Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario represents a specialized advocacy organization focused on addressing the unique healthcare and social challenges faced by individuals with Sickle Cell Disease, a condition that disproportionately affects Black and African Caribbean communities. As a patient-centered organization, SCAGO operates at the intersection of healthcare advocacy, community development, and health equity, working to address both immediate patient needs and systemic barriers within the healthcare system.

SCAGO operates as a key stakeholder in the rare disease advocacy space within Ontario's healthcare ecosystem, with the organization's provincial chapter structure indicating established relationships with healthcare institutions and government agencies. The organization's focus on both direct service provision and systemic change positions it as an important bridge between affected communities and mainstream healthcare institutions.
The Hamilton-based position reflects SCAGO's strategic expansion into Ontario's industrial heartland, where significant Caribbean and African immigrant populations may have limited access to specialized Sickle Cell Disease resources. This regional expansion indicates organizational growth and the development of decentralized service delivery models that can better serve geographically dispersed communities.
The organization appears to foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that emphasizes professional development and staff growth, with clear pathways for advancement and skills development. The hybrid work model and flexible scheduling suggest a progressive approach to work-life balance, while the emphasis on trauma-informed care indicates a supportive approach to both client services and staff wellness.
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