Colleen Jones
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Social Medicine Patient and Program Navigator at University Health Network, with expertise in crisis management and resource navigation, who brings over 4 years of experience in front-line work. Achieved successful connections for underserved individuals to long-term housing, resulting in improved health outcomes and decreased emergency visits. Strong background in community outreach, service coordination, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Medicine Patient and Program Navigator
University Health Network
Toronto, Canada
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborated on a groundbreaking housing project—the first of its kind in Canada—partnering with Fred Victor and the City of Toronto to connect vulnerable individuals with long-term, intensive supportive housing.
- Played a key role in connecting underserved individuals to long-term resources, resulting in improved health outcomes, and reduced emergency department utilization.
- Conducted comprehensive social and psychosocial assessments to identify barriers to health, including housing instability, food insecurity, and financial hardship.
- Maintained accurate, timely documentation of case notes, assessments, and interventions to support continuity of care, and data tracking.
- Actively participated in outreach activities within the community aimed at raising awareness of available programs and services offered by the organization.
- Facilitated patient care planning by coordinating and collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams in order to facilitate a smooth and supportive transition for patients moving from the hospital to the community.
- Prioritized competing needs through strong time management and organizational skills in a fast-paced, high-need environment.
Shelter Relief Worker
Canadian Mental Health Association
Toronto, Canada
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Delivered crucial emergency aid to homeless individuals with mental health challenges, fostering a safe shelter environment, and facilitating access to vital services.
- Answered questions and responded to inquiries to deliver high level of service to patients.
- Conducted thorough intake assessments, managed shelter operations, and maintained rigorous hygiene and safety standards while supporting administrative tasks.
- Reminded patients to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.
- Partnered with shelter staff and social workers to ensure comprehensive client care, coordinating mental health support, food provision, harm reduction support, and housing services.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, offering support, and de-escalating tense situations while maintaining confidentiality.
- Made referrals to utilize community resources for resident's needs.
Specialized Housing Case Manager
Fred Victor
Toronto, Canada
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Provided referrals to community organizations offering additional supportive services such as job training financial services, or substance abuse treatment.
- Advised tenants of their legal rights regarding fair housing laws and tenant-landlord relationships.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, including emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, mental health referrals, harm reduction/overdose prevention, and shelter support.
- Analyzed complex individuals' housing cases, and developed strategic interventions that support the proper maintenance of their homes.
- Advocated for clients with landlords, service providers, and government agencies to ensure timely access to resources integral to clients' housing stability.
Camp Coordinator
STEM camp
Stratford, Canada
07.2021 - 09.2021
- Managed the daily operations of a summer camp for 30 children, aged 5-13, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational environment.
- Supervised and trained a team of 6 staff members (aged 14-18), fostering teamwork and providing guidance in handling camp activities, schedules, and group dynamics.
- Coordinated with staff to create inclusive environment. Facilitated team-building exercises, promoting cooperation and mutual respect among campers and counselors.
- Oversaw safety protocols, maintaining secure environment for all participants. Conducted regular equipment checks, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Addressed any behavioral issues or conflicts among campers, using conflict resolution techniques and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
- Communicated with parents and guardians to provide updates on campers' progress and any issues that arose during the camp sessions.
Sales Associate
Winners
Ottawa, Canada
08.2017 - 01.2020
- Enhanced sales through personalized service, consistently surpassing targets.
- Implemented merchandising strategies, boosting visibility and revenue.
- Analyzed trends for optimal inventory management and customer satisfaction.
- Exceeded sales goals using effective upselling techniques.
- Maintained meticulous transaction records, ensuring accurate daily reports and contributing to streamlined financial processes.
- Fostered a team-oriented environment, mentoring new hires and collaborating on cross-departmental projects to streamline operations and improve customer experience.
Education
Social Service Work - Social Work
George Brown College
Toronto06.2022
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Major in Psychology, Minor in Communications
University Of Ottawa
Ottawa04.2020
Skills
- Community outreach and engagement
- Crisis and risk management
- Case and documentation management
- Behavioral support strategies
- Program development and planning
- Trauma-informed care practices
- Time management skills
- Supportive counseling techniques
- Service coordination and advocacy
- Resource navigation and intervention
Certification
- Overdose Prevention, Recognition and Response Training - City of Toronto
- Advanced Recovery Training - Canadian Mental Health Association
- Standard First Aid, CPR & AED (Level C) - Canadian Red Cross
- Mental Health First Aid, Blended (Standard) - Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2: CORE) - Government of Canada
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - Living Works
- Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training - Ministry of Public and Business Service
- Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviors Training - George Brown College
- AODA - OSG
- Cansell Certification - The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- Workplace Wellbeing - OSG
- Trauma Fundamentals - Canadian Mental Health Association
Volunteer Experience
Toronto Humane Society, Provided direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness in a shelter setting, worked closely with shelter staff, and assisted with animal care and administrative tasks.
Timeline
Social Medicine Patient and Program Navigator
University Health Network
08.2023 - Current
Specialized Housing Case Manager
Fred Victor
06.2022 - 06.2023
Shelter Relief Worker
Canadian Mental Health Association
09.2021 - 07.2023
Camp Coordinator
STEM camp
07.2021 - 09.2021
Sales Associate
Winners
08.2017 - 01.2020
Social Service Work - Social Work
George Brown College
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Major in Psychology, Minor in Communications
University Of Ottawa
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