Health Literacy Specialist - Patient Family Centered Care (CEN)

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 and 2024! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Manager, Health Equity, Patient & Community Engagement, the successful candidate for this position will play a key role in the implementation of an innovative health literacy program at SHN. SHN has an approved Health Literacy Strategy, endorsed by key stakeholders, in place. This role will advance implementation of this strategy to achieve the desired goals. Working collaboratively with SHN key stakeholders and external community partners, you will implement SHN’s Health Literacy Strategy, including key initiatives to improve quality outcomes and equity within SHN and throughout the Scarborough community in a patient and family centric manner. This role will also collaborate with colleagues in providing coordination and support for SHN’s corporate interpretation services program, to ensure our patients receive medical care in their preferred language. The Health Literacy Specialist will hold knowledge of health disparities and barriers attributable to limited health literacy and help guide and promote SHN’s Population Health & Equity strategic priority.

Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to understand health literacy needs and advance health literacy

• Provide health literacy expertise and collaborate with programs/departments to implement SHN’s Health Literacy Strategy (e.g. Clinical Programs, Organizational Development, Corporate Communications, Professional Practice, Clinical Information Systems, Education, Research, and Indigenous Health)

• Apply project management principles to guide the implementation of SHN’s Health Literacy Strategy

• Support change management and apply a change management lens to new health literacy initiatives

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives to ensure they are meeting their objectives

• Coordinate and support SHN’s corporate interpretation services program to improve communication, access to treatment and to enhance the patient-provider experience

• Design, promote, deliver and evaluate training programs and educational resources that align with our health literacy priorities and incorporate evidence-based practices

• Collaborate with subject matter experts in the development of health messages

• Assess and address the learning needs and preferences of individuals, community members, and groups

• Coordinate community engagement activities as required (including coordinating meetings, focus groups, surveys, development of key documents, etc.)

• Facilitate connections among health literacy programs, health organizations, and partners

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in health literacy

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Health, Education, Communications, Social Science or relevant field

• Minimum five (5) years health literacy experience specific to best practices in communication, the educational needs of patients, families, organizational systems, and communities

• Demonstrated experience in health literacy program development, coordination and implementation

• Familiarity with evidence-based health literacy practices and principles

• Demonstrated experience in project management and successful implementation of initiatives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities

• Proficiency in change management principles and techniques

• Knowledge of digital solutions and technologies for health literacy

• Experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating educational resources and training programs

• Strong understanding of diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives

• Ability to adapt health literacy interventions to accommodate individual needs and cultural factors

• Experience in community engagement and partnership development

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience in public speaking, presentations and group facilitation and engagement

• Excellent collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to be consultative, and establish and maintain effective relationships

• Self-directed/self-starter, with proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and flexibility to adapt to new situations and priorities.

• Proficiency in MS Office and Virtual Collaboration Platforms (MS Teams)

Asset:

• Registered health professional designation

• Additional relevant certification

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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