JOB DESCRIPTION

The Orillia Public Library is seeking to fill the position of Human Services Navigator (10-month contract with possible extension to 12-Months) to provide outreach services to individuals in need at the Orillia Public Library, Orillia City facilities, and at various other locations in the downtown area.

 DUTIES

• Proactively provide engagement and support to individuals in need of social services.
• Help individuals meet basic needs by assisting with navigation of social service systems.
• Provide brief short-term support in life skills, developing coping strategies.
• Provide Individuals with referrals to community supports as required
• Respond to requests for assistance with de-escalation when it is safe to do so, including contacting emergency back-up services if required.
• Follow-up with individuals after initial contact to confirm they received the necessary assistance.
• Maintain accurate records of contact as required.
•  Develop partnerships with community resources and services to make referrals, understand what services are available and how to best access them
• Support and provide training for front line staff at the Library, City and downtown, in conjunction with other social service agencies, in:
  • mental health awareness,
  • crisis intervention and de-escalation, and
  • trauma debriefing
• Other duties as assigned in accordance with corporate objectives.
  
  

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Social Work degree or equivalent with 2 years of related work experience, or Community College Social Service Worker diploma or equivalent with four years of work experience in community outreach.
• Eligible to be a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
• Experience working in a front-line community setting with at-risk individuals.
• Knowledge of short term, single session modalities.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid & Mental Health First Aid training including administering naloxone an asset, with preference for “train the trainer” certification in each area.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public, staff, and external agencies.
• Excellent organizational, judgment, initiative, and interpersonal skills with ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient computer skills using MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Email, and the Internet.
• Valid class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle is required for this position.
  
• A current and acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector is required for this position at the incumbent’s expense, prior to the employment commencement date.
  
  

SUPERVISION

• Reports to the Director of Corporate and Operational Services at Orillia Public Library. Clinical Supervision via monthly meetings with a certified practitioner.

PHYSICAL & SENSORY DEMANDS
A) Physical Effort
• Frequent variety of sitting, standing, and moving (i.e., pushing, reaching, crouching)
• Occasional moderate exertion, including standing up to 50% of the workday.
• Frequent moderate exertion of moving and/or transporting of objects up to 35 lbs.
• Frequent manual dexterity required for use of basic office and technology equipment
• Physical demands of presentations and programs

B) Sensory Attention
• Focus and attention to details (computer use, reading or inputting data, report writing, reading)
• Frequent need for recognizing small print
• Considerable computer use

C) Mental Pressures
• Mental demands of presentations and programs
• Handling customer complaints and customers who present behavioural challenges
• Working closely with individuals who have experienced trauma as well as those who experience barriers due to mental illness, substance abuse and poverty.
• Focus and attention to detail (e.g. learning new technology skills, resolving issues)

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work setting is a standard office or working inside a library building.
• Scheduled work week that includes days, evenings, and weekends.
• Private office and shared workspace with other library employees.
• Attendance at meetings, seminars, conferences, and in the community at a variety of locations as required.
• Must be available to work flexible hours.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable conditions (regular interruptions, or verbal abuse)

The salary for this position is $37.25 per hour,  for 36.5 hours/week. Interested candidates with the required qualifications are welcome submit their resume and cover letter to the attention of the Director of Corporate and Operational Services, no later than 4:59 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 

The Start date for this position is: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Applications will only be accepted by applying online. Please click on the “Apply Now” button below.

The Orillia Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If contacted for an interview, please advise the Library’s Administrative Assistant at 705-325-2338 of any measures you feel you need to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. This information is being collected under the authority of the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.44, in order to identify potential candidates for job competitions. For information contact Meagan Wilkinson, Library CEO at 705-325-2573.36 Mississaga Street, West, Orillia, ON L3V 3A6. Telephone 705-325-2338 Fax 705-327-1744 www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca