Ministry of Health approved CArE for funding in 2021 to implement a community chronic disease program for people with arthritis and related conditions. CArE stands alone in Ontario as a designated specialty clinic, with a model of care to improve access and offer exceptional care to people with arthritis. 

Our Mission: 

Improving the lives of people living with arthritis through compassion, innovation, and leadership within the health care system. 

Our Vision: 

Clinical excellence in our community. 

Leader in patient education, health practitioner education. 

Commitment in clinical research and innovation. 

The ideal candidates are committed to the health of the community and the mission and vision of CArE, have demonstrated leadership in their profession and/or the local community, and currently reside and/or work in the region. Candidates with human resource and legal expertise are preferred. Applicants should have experience on a corporate or non-profit Board of Directors with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Governance Board and the willingness to commit time and energy to participate in up to 10 meetings a year (virtual and In person). 

This is a three (3) year volunteer appointment with the possibility of renewal. There is no remuneration, and these positions are not open to CArE members/staff or their immediate families. 

If you are interested in serving on the Board of this dynamic health care organization, please complete the application form here.   

In addition, we request that interested applicants send an updated resume to: 

Annette Marcuzzi
Chair, Nominating Committee, Centre of Arthritis Excellence  
annette.marcuzzi@carearthritisteam.ca 

For questions regarding the CArE Board of Directors, please contact: 

Dr. Carter Thorne 

Chair, CArE Board of Director 

carter.thorne@carearthritisteam.ca 

Job Summary

The regulated allied health provider is an integral member of the interprofessional CArE team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals for best practice in arthritis care. 

The regulated allied health provider’s role is to support the intake and triage of referrals, complete the assessment of the patient’s disease status and analysis of finding for presentation to the team and rheumatologists in a clinic setting. The regulated allied health provider is skilled in offering patient education, with a self-management approach to chronic disease management. 

Disease impact on self-care, lifestyle and independence is provided in a classroom format (which may include virtual care modalities) in the areas of Inflammatory Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Osteoporosis.  The regulated allied health provider will support the development of individual and group teaching sessions. Self-care, lifestyle and independence information/consultation is provided to patients and other healthcare providers working in CArE.  

The regulated allied health provider is expected to participate in transdisciplinary student teaching and preceptorships and research initiatives with CArE partners. The regulated health provider will support presentations to community groups and external partners with the approval of the CArE Executive Director. 

The salary range for this casual position is $39.50 to $41.10 hourly, with additional Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) benefits. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used for applicant screening. 

Job Requirements

Education

• University degree in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, B.Sc. Nursing or Kinesiology 
• Licensed to practice by affiliated Ontario College of Regulated health providers and a member in good standing 
• Completion of Advanced Clinical Professional in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) or equivalent preferred 
• Post-graduate education in chronic disease self-management preferred 
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion training preferred 

Experience: 

• Experience in arthritis care 
• Experience in a transdisciplinary model of practice 
• Experience in patient education and self-management of chronic disease
• Experience in community healthcare settings 

Professional Affiliations/Memberships (preferred) 

• Arthritis Health Professions Association 
• Professional Associations provincial and/or national 

Additional Skills/Abilities: 

Teamwork/Collaboration 

• Ability to work within a transdisciplinary healthcare team to meet the needs of CArE patients through individual and group assessment/review 
• Strive to meet team professional goals ahead of individual professional goals 
• Ability to identify community resources to support the needs of CArE patients and other chronic diseases 
• Commitment to support the mandate of the CArE Board of Directors and organization’s Strategic Plan 

Individual Leadership/Influencing 

• Leadership qualities to champion various CArE projects, programs, research, and quality improvement initiatives  
• Be prepared to contribute professionally on CArE through posters, publications, and presentations to professional groups and external partners 

 Customer Service 

• Committed to meet the needs of CArE patients, ensuring the patient identifies and acknowledges their personal treatment goals  
• Work with other healthcare professionals ensuring ongoing treatment and follow-up/monitoring of care. 
• Engages in ethical conduct and strives to understand and appreciate the diversity of our patient population and community. 

 Analysis/Problem Assessment/Communication 

• Using relational skills effectively, gathering information in a non-confrontational manner, following logical sequence in discussion, focusing on the needs of the patient.   
• Listen and empathize, using a patient centred approach to care 

To join our dedicated team, please forward your resume to:

David Walker                                                                                                                                                            david.walker@carearthritisteam.ca
Interim Executive Director
Centre of Arthritis Excellence

108 – 465 Davis Drive,
Newmarket ON

We thank everyone for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Posted date: March 26, 2025

Closing date: Until filled or April 25th, 2025

The Center of Arthritis Excellence (CArE), established in 2022, is a not-for-profit corporation supporting care for people with arthritis and associated conditions, providing timely access to assessment, effective treatment, and patient education grounded in self-management principles. Our services are delivered via a unique care delivery model enabled by a dedicated transdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals: pharmacist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, health educator, Rheumatologists and an administrative team. The CArE facility is located in Newmarket, Ontario.

CArE provides exemplary patient care, education, and innovation in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. CArE is a leader in the delivery of a transdisciplinary model of care, with the goal to enhance quality of life for individuals with arthritis through patient centred care plans and collaboration. The CArE Board of Directors was established in May 2021. The board is responsible for carrying out fiduciary and legal duties that include setting strategic direction; establishing corporate objectives; establishing policies and performance standards and measuring their achievement; overseeing risk management; and hiring and delegating authority to the Executive Director. CArE’s first Strategic Plan is moving into its third year, aligning with, CArE’s vision of “improving the lives of people living with arthritis through compassion, innovation, and leadership within the health care system”.

CArE is driven by best practice and has established strong partnerships with researchers, Ontario Health Teams, government agencies, regional, provincial, and national arthritis care providers, and organizations.

The CArE Board of Directors is searching for an Executive Director to work in co-operation with the Board, CArE team, and partners to the lead organization forward to build on strategic and operational successes. The ED will provide strategic leadership and direction to support to our organization’s continued growth and maturity to fulfill our vision of clinical excellence, leadership patient and health practitioner education, and clinical research and innovation.

Executive Director

Accountable to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for strategic leadership and foresight, program oversight, planning and advancement, team development, financial management, information technology and human resource management of CArE. While some of the work of the ED will be typical of a program manager and operational in nature, the ED is expected to be a transformational leader who has strong management skills, but primarily a transformational leader. The ED works under the direction of the Board of Directors in implementing the Board’s strategic directions. The ED should be extremely well versed on the Ontario health care landscape, including critical components, current and future challenges, and key initiatives and anticipated future directions. These directions include enhancement of population-based health, evolving care delivery models and methods, the transition to community-based care delivery models/organizations of various types, and a wide range of payment and funding models. In addition, the ED is familiar with chronic disease management, along with a solid understanding of the role of patient/consumer engagement and its methodologies, the evolving role of real-world research/data and technology in delivering care amongst other skill sets.

As an Executive Director, you will inspire and motivate others to succeed, support the healthcare team, work collaboratively with rheumatologists, and grow CArE programs. You will demonstrate a commitment to diversity and create a culture of learning and personal growth. You will facilitate patient engagement that contributes to and improves patient experience and outcomes. You will ensure clear and fair human resource policies, develop and monitor quality programs, implement sound financial management practices, and establish effective management of information systems and use of digital technologies.

You have experience in community-based healthcare with a minimum of three years of progressive healthcare leadership experience. Healthcare practitioner background is preferred. You are a confident transformational leader and decision maker, an excellent communicator, and skilled at identifying and resolving complex issues. You have experience leading teams and are knowledgeable about the Ontario health care system, diversity, equity and inclusion, team-based care, patient and family centred care, quality improvement and risk management.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their applications (including letter of interest that highlights how you meet the qualifications and a curriculum vitae), by email, in confidence, before April 25th, 2025 to CArE Board of Director Recruitment Committee Chair, Janet Jeffrey.
janet.jeffrey@carearthritisteam.ca

We appreciate your interest in our organization. We will confirm receiving your application and if you are selected for an interview.

The Center of Arthritis Excellence (CArE) is currently seeking Community volunteers to serve on our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).

About CArE: We are community-based non-for-profit center for arthritis and associated conditions to provide patients with timely assessment, effective treatment, and patient education grounded in self-management principles.

About PFAC: The PFAC is an advisory role providing input and recommendations on programs, services and policies leading to better patient outcomes. It brings a patient voice to the table fostering a culture of patient and family centered care within the organization. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients living with arthritis.

Requirements:

• Candidate should be a patient, family, caregiver, or support person at CArE with experience / knowledge in inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia.
• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is required
• Technically capable with email, virtual meetings, and electronic documents 
• Enthusiasm for bringing your voice to the table and making a positive impact 
• Experience in committees / councils / working groups is preferred

Training:

• Onboarding and orientation will be provided

Time Commitment:

• This is a three (3) year volunteer appointment with the possibility of renewal.
• Candidates should have the time and energy to participate in 10 virtual meetings per year (typically). In addition, there will be opportunities beyond meetings to be involved with CArE staff to shape and improve our programs and services.

To Apply:

If you are interested in serving on the PFAC please complete the application form here.

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Kevin Thompson – Chair of PFAC kevin.thompson@carearthritisteam.ca