Organization: Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO)
Start Date: Mid-September 2026
Location: Hybrid - GTA (North York)
Job Type: Full-Time Contract
Schedule: 40 hours/week (Must be willing to work some weekend)
Purpose of the Position
The GTA Chapter Lead / Project & Patient Wellbeing Coordinator is responsible for advancing the quality of care received by individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD), strengthening healthcare provider knowledge, and supporting the growth of SCAGO within the region. This role combines patient advocacy, psychosocial support, community engagement, chapter development, and program coordination.
The incumbent will provide direct support to children, youth, adults, and families affected by SCD by assisting them in navigating healthcare and community systems, accessing appropriate services, and addressing psychosocial needs. The role will also support the delivery and growth of SCAGO’s Youth Empowerment Program, which engages youth aged 15–30 in leadership, advocacy, and community-based initiatives that give back to the sickle cell community.
Working collaboratively with healthcare providers, hospitals, community health centres, schools, and community organizations, the coordinator will build partnerships that improve access to care and resources while fostering a strong regional network of support. The incumbent will play a key role in growing SCAGO’s presence within the region and developing a community hub that promotes education, advocacy, peer support, and engagement for individuals and families impacted by SCD.
Working Environment
The GTA Chapter Lead / Project & Patient Wellbeing Coordinator will work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment involving clients with physical, emotional, social, and healthcare-related challenges that are often complex, sensitive, and time-sensitive in nature. The incumbent must be able to work independently while exercising sound judgment, initiative, professionalism, and strong communication skills.
The successful candidate will demonstrate empathy, compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to patient-centred care while supporting vulnerable populations. The role requires the ability to build trusting relationships with patients, families, youth, healthcare providers, and community partners, while effectively managing multiple priorities and projects.
Preference for candidates with social work or psychology background. The incumbent must reside in the GTA region.
Qualifications
- Mandatory: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or Psychology (BSW, MSW, BA/BSc Psychology, MA/MSc Psychology). Candidates with a Social Work degree must be eligible for registration with the OCSWSSW or an equivalent provincial regulatory body where applicable.
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or Clinical Psychology preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience providing psychosocial support, case management, advocacy, and resource navigation for individuals and families.
- Experience working with youth, families, healthcare settings, vulnerable populations, racialized communities, or patient organizations.
- Strong understanding of health equity, social determinants of health, and culturally responsive care.
- Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary healthcare and community teams.
- Experience with virtual service delivery (e.g., teletherapy) and research is an asset.
- Successful completion of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Must reside within the service region and be able to travel as required.
# Of Hours/ Job Type
- 40 hours/week @ $30-$31/hour for candidates with a Master’s degree or higher (pay depends on experience).
- 40 hours/week @ $27-$30/hour for candidates with a first degree (no Master’s degree, pay based on experience).
- Performance-based bonus: An additional 10% of total hourly earnings, paid at the end of the yearly contract.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Please apply only if you have a background in social work, psychology, or a closely related field. Applications from individuals whose primary education is in unrelated disciplines will not be considered, as the role requires relevant experience in community support, psychosocial programming, and working with vulnerable populations.
- This role does not provide employee benefits and does not support permanent residency (PR) sponsorship.
- Candidates must reside within the GTA and be able to travel with their own vehicle throughout the service area as required.
Please note: This is an independent contractor role. Compensation is based on the number of hours worked. This position does not include paid leave, or other entitlements associated with full-time employment.
Growth Opportunity
SCAGO is an organization that actively supports staff growth. Based on performance, growth opportunities include contract extension, advancement within the organization and staff training.
Role Expectations
- Work in a hybrid environment, with approximately 3–4 days per week in the SCAGO office and the remaining time working remotely, based on operational needs.
- Attend meetings and provide services in hospitals, community health centres, community organizations, and other service locations as required. This may include clinic days, community outreach activities, and other regional initiatives.
- Services are delivered in a variety of settings, including the SCAGO office, hospitals, community locations, and virtual platforms.
- The incumbent may be required to support psychosocial programs, community events, and outreach activities on 1–2 Saturdays per month and must be able to work flexible hours as required.
- Provide Regional growth and community engagement
- Develop and lead a regional work plan to grow SCAGO in the GTA region.
- Support implementation of quality standards for SCD in the region's hospitals
- Provide psycho-social support to people with sickle cell disease.
- Coordinate and support SCAGO's Youth Empowerment Program, working with youth aged 15–30 to develop and lead community projects, educational initiatives, advocacy activities, and peer-support programs that positively impact the sickle cell community. Support youth leadership development, community engagement, and project implementation.
Advocacy and Support Services
- Advocate for clients (e.g., OW, ACSD, SSAH, ODSP, housing eviction)
- Provide crisis management from a trauma-informed lens
- Provide counseling and consultation services to individuals and families with SCD
- Operate from evidence-based case management approaches
- Respond to emails, phone calls, or other correspondence on time
Data Management and Quality Improvement
- Develop and maintain a database to identify and manage sub-optimal care experiences in hospital settings
- Provide accurate, timely, and relevant evaluations and reports to management and hospital partners
- Utilize software applications to record, track, and report on clients' journeys
- Ensure all communications and records are kept confidential and secure
Regional Outreach and Collaboration
- Work with hospitals, patients, and families
- Work closely with other chapter leads to support programs across the province
- Develop and implement plans to tackle unemployment and housing issues within the SCD community
- Collaborate with employment agencies and OYAP to improve employability of SCD patients
Pay: $27.00-$31.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
