Solutions Navigator, Older Adults

Supporting adults 55 and older, the Solutions Navigator builds meaningful relationships with individuals and helps navigate services, resources and supports that can promote connection, independence and well-being making a true difference in their lives.

Using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach, this position works alongside individuals experiencing multiple challenges to identify needs, build skills, support system navigation and connection to resources before higher levels of intervention are required. Using solution focused outreach, case management and coordinated referral processes, this position supports older adults to navigate complex social challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to creating community-based hubs of support by strengthening partnerships, facilitating access to services, and tracking participant outcomes to improve community-wide service delivery for older adults.  

In response to the Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, the Solutions Navigator works with Strathcona County and community partners to identify and reduce barriers to accessing services and supports.

This posting is for 1 temporary, full-time position up to 13 months

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive front-line service delivery using a strength-based, action-oriented, trauma informed approach to assess needs, strengths, and risks  
• Recognize and respect each participant’s unique experience, strengths and needs while building a foundation of trust and a genuine relationship needed to successfully reach individual outcomes
• Use wholistic, comprehensive approach to support individuals in accessing resources to address a range of needs that may include income and benefits navigation, transportation, housing supports, digital literacy, health system navigation, social connection and recreation opportunities, food security supports, future planning resources, accessibility supports, and community-based programs
• Assess participant needs which may include housing, financial, food, addictions, employment, and mental health concerns, and provide assistance with form completion, applications, and subsidy access
• Support individuals experiencing distress by leading participants through solution-oriented processes and interventions, promoting capacity building and independence, enabling informed choice, and promoting social inclusion
• Completes safety risk screenings related to family violence and suicidal ideation and completing safety plans, when applicable.
• Apply legislation, community protocols, municipal policy, and guiding frameworks as they relate to the role  
• Support a coordinated, flexible and one-stop philosophy; invest in relationships with key community partners to enhance service delivery; identify barriers to service access and work collaboratively with participants and service providers to remove obstacles and improve successful community connections
• Provide leadership in project and committee work, conduct research and maintain awareness of service trends
• Develop, implement, deliver and evaluate skill-building and psycho-educational sessions/information workshops based on needs of participants and community

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences or a related field with 4 years of relevant experience; a Diploma and 6 years related experience may be considered
• Preference for those registered with Alberta regulated bodies, such as the Alberta College of Social Workers
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with people in distress and overwhelming situations is required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with leading projects, activities and committee work and/or developing and facilitating skill-building, psycho-educational sessions is an asset
• Experience developing new program streams and participating in pilot projects is an asset
• Experience with data collection, outcome measurement, program reporting, and evaluation is considered an asset
• Ability to build relationships and trust and work in trauma-informed ways to de-escalate participants is essential
• High level of adaptability and flexibility is essential in this fast paced, evolving work environment; able to positively and quickly manage change and stress is important to success in this role  
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with a teamwork orientation  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with an openness to other's ideas
• Independently and proficiently apply knowledge and skills to practice, with the ability to gather information and apply critical thinking

Conditions of Employment

• Submission of Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Record Check
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's license and submission of a 5-year driver's abstract with less than 7 demerits
• Reliable personal transportation is required - mileage for work use will be reimbursed in accordance with Strathcona County vehicle allowance policies
• Ability to perform physical labour as part of the job duties including lifting up to 20 lbs.

Who We Are

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.