Chapter Lead / Patient Well-being Coordinator (Windsor-Essex Region)

Organization: Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO)

Location: Hybrid - Windsor-Essex Region

Job Type: Part-time

Hours: 20 hours per week, Hybrid (Community, Hospital, and Remote)

Who We Are

The Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO) is a leading charitable patient organization providing evidence-based support to children, youth, adults, and families living with sickle cell disease (SCD) across Ontario. SCAGO supports clinical and psychosocial research, patient and caregiver education, advocacy, health promotion, community awareness, and the development of best practice guidelines for sickle cell disease.

The Chapter Lead / Patient Well-being Coordinator is responsible for improving the quality of life and healthcare experiences of individuals living with sickle cell disease throughout the Windsor-Essex region. This role combines patient advocacy, psychosocial support, healthcare system navigation, hospital collaboration, community engagement, and program development.

A key priority of this role is developing and facilitating patient programs, peer support initiatives, and educational activities while providing psychosocial support and advocating for individuals living with sickle cell disease. The successful candidate will also provide in-hospital advocacy and clinical support at least 1-2 times a month by working directly with patients, caregivers, physicians, nurses, social workers, emergency department staff, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to improve patient experiences and promote equitable, evidence-informed care.

The successful candidate will serve as SCAGO's regional representative by strengthening relationships with hospitals and community organizations while building a sustainable support network for individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.

Working Environment:

The Chapter Lead / Patient Well-being Coordinator works in a fast-paced, high-demand environment supporting individuals experiencing complex medical, psychosocial, and social challenges.

The successful candidate will provide services within hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, community settings, and virtually. The role requires professionalism, sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to respond to urgent patient needs while maintaining empathy and confidentiality.

The incumbent will regularly work alongside physicians, nurses, social workers, discharge planners, community organizations, and other healthcare professionals to improve healthcare experiences and patient outcomes.

# Of Hours/ Job Type

- 20 hours per week @ $30.00 per hour (Hybrid)

Perks

- Performance-based bonus of an additional 10% of total hourly earnings, paid upon successful completion of the annual contract.
- Opportunity for contract renewal, increased hours to full-time based on organizational needs and performance, and career advancement within SCAGO.
- Professional development and ongoing training opportunities.

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 position is expected to grow from part-time to full-time hours based on solid performance and organizational growth.
- This role does not provide employee benefits and does not support permanent residency (PR) sponsorship.
- Candidates must reside within the Windsor-Essex region and be able to travel with a vehicle throughout the service area as required.

Please note: This is an independent contractor role, and does not include employee benefits, paid leave, or other entitlement benefits.

Role ExpectationsOrganizational Leadership

- Demonstrate a strong commitment to SCAGO's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
- Develop and implement a regional work plan to expand SCAGO's presence throughout Windsor-Essex.
- Represent SCAGO professionally within healthcare and community settings.

Patient Advocacy, Hospital Support & Clinical Navigation

- Provide psychosocial support and case management to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.
- Serve as a patient advocate within hospitals, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.
- Provide bedside advocacy and support during hospital admissions and emergency visits when appropriate.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, discharge planners, and allied healthcare professionals to promote patient-centred care.
- Support patients in navigating the healthcare system and accessing appropriate healthcare services.
- Advocate for timely, equitable, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed care.
- Assist with discharge planning and continuity of care between hospital and community services.
- Identify barriers to care and work collaboratively with healthcare teams to improve patient experiences.
- Provide crisis intervention using trauma-informed approaches.
- Advocate for housing, disability supports, financial assistance, education, employment, and other social determinants of health.
- Respond promptly to client inquiries and maintain ongoing follow-up.

Regional Outreach & Healthcare Partnerships

- Build strong relationships with hospitals, physicians, community health centres, and healthcare organizations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve regional care pathways.
- Support healthcare provider education and awareness initiatives related to sickle cell disease.
- Participate in hospital meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives where appropriate.




- Work collaboratively with other SCAGO Chapter Leads to support provincial initiatives.
- Develop partnerships that increase access to healthcare and community resources.

Community Programs & Engagement

- Facilitate in-person and virtual peer support groups.
- Deliver Learning for Life educational workshops.
- Develop community awareness and outreach initiatives.
- Build relationships with schools, community agencies, employers, and local organizations.
- Conduct surveys, focus groups, and community needs assessments.
- Support programs that improve employment, education, housing, and quality of life for individuals living with SCD.

Data Management & Quality Improvement

- Maintain confidential client records and documentation.
- Track patient experiences within hospitals and identify opportunities for quality improvement.
- Prepare reports for management and healthcare partners.
- Utilize organizational software to document client interactions and program outcomes.
- Ensure all information is maintained in accordance with confidentiality requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

- Support SCAGO events, conferences, and regional programming.
- Network with healthcare professionals and community stakeholders.
- Assist with special projects and other duties assigned by the Executive Lead.

Qualifications

- Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Clinical Psychology, Counselling, or another relevant health profession preferred.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in patient advocacy, psychosocial support, healthcare navigation, or case management.
- Experience working within hospitals, healthcare organizations, or multidisciplinary clinical teams is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of anti-black racism, trauma-informed, culturally safe, and patient-centred care.
- Familiarity with Ontario healthcare legislation (Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, PHIPA, etc.).
- Superior communication, documentation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage a busy and diverse caseload independently.
- Experience working with racialized communities, patient organizations, or chronic disease populations is an asset.
- Experience facilitating support groups and community programming.
- Completion of a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
- Willingness to travel throughout the Windsor-Essex region.

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Flexible schedule

Application question(s):

- Do you have a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, or another closely related field?
- Do you have both a Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, or another closely related field?
- Are you comfortable facilitating educational sessions, peer support groups, workshops, and delivering presentations to patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations?
- Do you have access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver's licence to travel throughout the Windsor-Essex region?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Windsor, ON N8W 1L9

📌 Chapter Lead / Patient Well-being Coordinator (Windsor-Essex Region) (Canada)
🏢 Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario
📍 Canada