Director, Primary Care and Mental Health Services

ABOUT PARKDALE QUEEN WEST COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE (PQWCHC)

Parkdale Queen West CHC (the Centre) is a non-profit, community-based health organization committed to improving the health of community members, particularly those at risk for poverty and discrimination. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes the provision of primary health/dental care, counselling, harm reduction, community development, advocacy, and innovative partnerships with other organizations.

The Centre is a leader in the development of inner-city health services focusing on the needs of substance users, homeless and street-involved youth, adults, and families and immigrants. Parkdale Queen West CHC is a pro-choice and LGBTTQ and 2-Sprit-positive organization committed to employment equity and anti-discrimination. Parkdale Queen West CHC is committed to a harm reduction and health promotion framework across our services.

WHY JOIN PARKDALE QUEEN WEST CHC

Our vision is to create inclusive communities and responsive healthcare that lead to healthier lives. We are committed to providing and leading equitable, accessible, comprehensive healthcare for people where, when, and how they need it. Our values include client-centred care, community responsiveness, social justice, equity and access, capacity building, humility and reconciliation, and accountability. We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach, including primary health/dental care, counselling, harm reduction, community development, advocacy, and innovative partnerships with other organizations.

VISION

Inclusive Communities. Responsive Healthcare. Healthier Lives

MISSION

Providing and leading equitable, accessible, comprehensive healthcare for people where, when, and how they need it.

VALUES & DEFINITION

• Client-centred We make our work client-centred by meeting individuals where they are at and by providing compassionate care to support their informed choices in a safe, accessible, non-judgmental space, throughout their journey.
• Community responsiveness We respond to the needs of our clients and communities by listening to them and acting in a timely manner through an integrated, flexible, and evidence-informed approach. We collaborate with external partners to plan and deliver services.
• Social justice, equity, and access We advocate for social justice, equity, and access by providing a point of entry that challenges individual and system barriers. We collaborate with external partners to effect system change that eliminates barriers for the marginalized communities and promote population health.
• Capacity building We build capacity of clients, staff and sector through support, empowerment, education, and opportunities.
• Humility and Reconciliation We recognize that reconciliation is a journey and will work towards building a renewed relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, and partnership. We will undertake this with humility, acknowledging ourselves as learners in a continuous process of self-reflection. This self-reflection enables us to understand personal and systemic discrimination and to develop and maintain respectful processes and relationships based on mutual trust.
• Accountability We respond to and deliver on our commitments to clients, staff, communities, and stakeholders through open and transparent communication.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Primary Care and Mental Health Services is responsible for overseeing all primary health care and mental health services operations, ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of services provided. This role involves leading a team of managers, influencing front-line staff, and actively shaping organizational strategy.

The Director will champion the needs of the diverse communities served by the Centre, with a strong focus on health equity and anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and decolonizing practices. The Director will also play a critical role in enhancing employee health and wellness through a structured organizational approach, collaborating with other leaders across the organization and sector. This role requires exceptional decision-making skills and a strategic approach to healthcare management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guide and ensure effective daily operations in the provision of all primary care and mental health services.
• Assure service quality to provide safe and effective care to clients, ensuring a high level of client experience.
• Motivate and foster high-performance teamwork and collaborative relationships within an interdisciplinary framework.
• Manage clinical operations within budget resources, providing variance reporting as needed.
• Act as the Privacy Officer for the organization.
• Lead the development, implementation, and reporting of the Health Quality Ontario Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) and internal quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the development and implementation of organizational strategy and operational plans to achieve corporate objectives.
• Provide insights and leadership at relevant forums to advance the work and profile of Parkdale Queen West and the community health sector locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
• Liaise with a variety of external stakeholders, including funders, community agencies, associations, and other community health centres.
• Ensure that client access points are efficient, responsive, and accessible.
• Develop and implement a responsive health human resources strategy to meet client needs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies and programs to meet client needs and funder obligations.
• Staff committees of the Board of Directors as required.
• Demonstrate integrity, embrace anti-racism, and diversity, and exemplify the values of the organization at all times.

WHAT WE VALUE

At Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, our core values guide our approach to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. We prioritize client-centred care and innovation, ensuring alignment with the Community Health Centre care model. We are firmly committed to health equity, anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, and the decolonization of policies and processes. We value collaborative leadership that excels in staff engagement, teamwork, and strategic system alignment, with a strong understanding of community partner services. Our focus on continuous quality improvement and problem-solving ensures effective challenge resolution. We advocate for staff well-being, supporting their development, work-life balance, and career growth within a unionized environment. We seek a director who embodies these principles and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their work.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in health administration, Business, or a health-related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Seven to ten years of progressively senior management experience, in a community health or primary health setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of health service delivery, clinical workflows and working collaboratively across sectors and with government.
• Relevant experience working with diverse, low-income urban communities, with a focus on positively impacting the determinants of health.
• Detailed knowledge of issues affecting equity-deserving populations and barriers to accessing health care.
• Understanding of and comfort working within health equity, anti-racist, harm reduction and anti-oppression frameworks and demonstrated commitment to decolonizing policies and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with primary care clinicians and community partners, fostering a supportive environment for staff growth and teamwork.
• Advanced knowledge and appreciation of social, economic, environmental, and cultural issues impacting primary health care in diverse communities.
• Excel in staff engagement, teamwork, and strategic system alignment. Strong knowledge of community partner services and strategic thinking.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to address challenges effectively while focusing on continuous quality improvement.
• Highly flexible, consistently positive, and team-oriented outlook.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• A competitive salary range between $101,638 and $127,480 annually based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), four weeks vacation, five personal development days, and additional professional development opportunities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Parkdale Queen West CHC is open Monday -Thursday (9 am 8 pm) Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• You will be based at the head office located at 1229 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L2, with occasional work required at different locations as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter to be considered for the position with the subject line: (Director, Primary Care and Mental Health Services to (skurmi@strategisense.com) or apply directly through our website (https://www.careers-page.com/strategisense-consulting/job/L96Y6484) by no later than 5:00 PM until August 16, 2024. We thank all those who apply for the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. An eligibility list may be established for similar positions of various tenures and will be retained for a maximum period of 12 months.

PQWCHC is committed to the principles of access and equity. PQWCHC is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves and we encourage applicants who reflect Torontos Indigenous, LGBTQ2, racial, and cultural diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request. Parkdale Queen West CHC is in full compliance of the Ontario Human Rights Code and does not discriminate on the ground of records of offences.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Please also note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment. We carefully consider the nature of any offences reported. Employment is conditional upon having had a full series of COVID-19 vaccinations (2 doses, plus booster within 6-12 months) 14 days before starting employment.

ABOUT STRATEGISENSE CONSULTING

Strategisense Consulting is a highly sought-after learning, professional development, and organizational and talent strategy firm committed to supporting individuals and organizations to deepen the quality of their thinking and evolve the way they work - ultimately enhancing resilience and overall impact. Services include customized and signature learning programs, leadership and team coaching, talent strategy, executive search, and organizational and leadership strategy development.