HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST

Job ID: 67282
Job Category: Health Services
Division & Section: Public Health, Clinical Services
Work Location: 61 Front Street West, Union Station, Toronto, Ontario
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Temporary (18 month) vacancy
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $52.38 - $57.39
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 21-Oct-2026 to 04-Nov-2026

Job Summary:

Harm Reduction and Treatment Services offers a number of programs and services designed to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Toronto. Programs include an opioid agonist treatment, harm reduction and naloxone distribution, nursing, counselling and support.

Reporting to the Manager, Harm Reduction and Treatment Services, the incumbent will assist Harm Reduction and Treatment Services program in the development of policies and procedures for all opioid agonist treatment, nursing services, including Hepatitis screening, HIV screening, vaccination, overdose response, infection, prevention, control, wound care and other related services. We are looking for a high energy, organized Health Promotion Specialist who is knowledgeable regarding substance use and street nursing. 

Major Responsibilities:

Provides expert advice and consultation to Toronto Public Health front line staff, the Board of Health, external groups and the general public on health issues.

Assesses community needs and analyzes information with respect to public health issues.

Develops, plans, implements and evaluates community-based initiatives by applying health promotion strategies such as community mobilization, advocacy, healthy public policy and health education.

Collaborates with Public Health program staff in strategic and operational planning for Public Health programs.

Analyzes information and provides advice to staff in the review and analysis of programs, projects and new priorities in setting goals and objectives. Drafts and revises related program plans, policies and procedures.

Develops, implements and evaluates divisional programs and projects.

Promotes the implementation of municipal, provincial and federal legislation and strategies.

Develops public health issues-related policy recommendations, e.g. by-laws, legislation for consideration at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.

Develops and facilitates in-service training, staff orientation and staff development programs. Drafts, revises and/or recommends medical directives, nursing policies and procedures, teaching manuals and resource materials for the public and divisional staff.

Makes presentations to the public, community and media, and answers inquiries from the public. Liaises with interested external groups.

Develops and coordinates communication plans and social marketing strategies for programs and services including issues management, media relations and advertising campaigns.

Plans, develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates programs and services as directed, e.g. Community forum workshops, press conferences, in-house newsletters, media campaigns, Annual Report, press releases.

Researches and writes reports and correspondence for the division.

Collaborates on applied public health research and field study.

Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, etc.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

Master's degree in Nursing, Health administration, public/community health, or related field, or an equivalent combination of a baccalaureate degree and considerable experience relevant to the primary duties of the position.

A licensed Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Considerable experience working in the harm reduction, addiction, outreach and/or homelessness field(s).

Considerable experience in program planning, and continuous quality improvement.

Experience in the development of policies and procedures.

You must also have:

A strong commitment to harm reduction philosophy and principles and ability to work in a harm reduction environment.

Knowledge of substance use, addiction, opioid agonist treatment, overdose, clinical services, nursing theories and research process.

Knowledge of the harm reduction program requirements, protocols and policies and procedures.

Knowledge of safer drug use techniques.

Knowledge of all aspects of health protection, health education and health promotion utilizing population health approach.

Excellent interpersonal/consultation skills and the ability to establish and maintain good working relations with colleagues and community members.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Proficiency in using Word Processing and other relevant programs.

Ability to handle challenging assignments in a high profile professional and political environment.

Ability to analyze/interpret data to inform decision making.

Ability to work flexible hours and work locations - evenings, weekends, depending on the needs of the needle exchange program.

Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity, and respectful workplaces.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:
City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. 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 Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.