Health Literacy Specialist

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 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our work led by the Organizational Development and Diversity Department on our Leading edge Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar and our innovative Health Equity Certificate programs. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Director, Health Equity & Health System Integration, the successful candidate for this position will play a key role in the development and implementation of an innovative health literacy program at SHN. 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. 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

• 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

• 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 verbal and written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

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

Asset:

• Registered health professional designation

• Additional relevant certification

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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