Indigenous Social Worker, Virtual Psychiatry Unit (VPU)

Detailed Overview

Reporting clinically to the Social Work Clinical Practice Leader, and reporting administratively to the Coordinator or designate, the Indigenous Social Worker, VPU participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a variety of community and hospital settings.

Within the context of an Indigenous health care perspective, provides culturally appropriate counselling and intermediary services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit clients.

Plans, organizes, and evaluates clinical and psychosocial health care needs and services for Indigenous clients involving assessments, health teaching to clients, support, consultation, liaison, and referral to appropriate services.

The Indigenous Social Worker, VPU collaborates with other programs across Fraser Health as well as Indigenous partner organizations such as First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation BC.

This position will facilitate connections between Indigenous clients and service providers to enhance access to Fraser Health and traditional wellness services, with a culturally appropriate approach.

May provide care to patients through a combination of telephone, virtual video / audio conference and / or remote technology to patients in their homes, in the community including outreach, and virtually.

Responsibilities As a member of a multi-disciplinary team provides social work services for clients, families, service providers, and community agencies to enhance service delivery through consultation, development of a care plan and forwarding necessary information to appropriate community services / agencies.

Clarifies client and family expectations and acts as a client advocate. Conducts client assessments and screenings that include evaluation of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health as well as social determinants of health using information from all available sources.

Participates in a multi-disciplinary team, bridging Indigenous Health and Mental Health and Substance Use, referring Indigenous clients to appropriate services, as eligible.

Communicates with and obtains assistance from appropriate community agencies and FHA programs to ensure the best possible care for clients and families after discharge from hospital.

May provide care to patients through a combination of telephone, virtual video / audio conference and / or remote technology to patients in their homes, in the community including outreach, and virtually when required in order to assess and / or engage with patients within their own environment and community.

Provides education and promotes health promotion initiatives / services to individuals, families, and Indigenous communities to increase knowledge, capacity and resources to maintain holistic wellness.

Encourages informed decision-making, personal growth and learning, empowering the client to improve their quality of life.

Acts as the point of contact to assist with health system navigation and liaises with programs and services across FHA as well as community partners.

Collegially shares information with colleagues for the purpose of enhancing knowledge of Indigenous cultures, contemporary social issues and health beliefs.

Provides information on social and health services available in the community for Indigenous people. Participates in committees that integrate Indigenous Health with hospital and community programs by providing input and addressing Indigenous Health issues.

Provides information, interpretation and guidance to general public, agencies, Boards, etc. on Acts and Regulations applicable to social work practices and functions.

Reviews and adapts relevant information material. Participates in professional development activities to keep up to date with current trends and research.

Assists with orientation of new staff, students, and other health care professionals. Maintains knowledge of community social work services and resources.

Maintains related records, documentation and statistics. Prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education, Training, and Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an approved School of Social Work.

Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers. Two years’ recent, related clinical social work experience in a hospital or community setting including one year of experience working with Indigenous clients.

Lived experience and / or knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocol, cultural issues and practices. Valid BC Driver’s Licence and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities : Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of emotional, mental health and contemporary social issues relative to Indigenous communities.

Ability to provide consultation to patients, families and healthcare professionals. Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with hospital, community, MHSU and health and social agency personnel.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of Social Work / Clinical Counselling as applied to Indigenous populations.

Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate. Ability to organize and problem solve. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated teaching skills. Ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community.

Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports. Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture and community resources and agencies.

Ability to deliver culturally safe and respectful services to Indigenous populations. Knowledge of Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness, cultural practices and protocols.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.