Community Liaison Worker, Integrated Care Team - Downtown Community Health Centre (Casual Pool)

Vancouver Coastal Health • Vancouver, BC

4d • CA$33 - CA$35 • Hybrid

About The Position

In accordance with the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Strategic Framework, the Community Liaison Worker supports an integrated health service team and delivery model and provides support services to clients who have mental health and substance use/addiction issues. Works across multiple sites, clinics and services within an integrated health service delivery model and interdisciplinary care team that includes primary care, mental health and substance use, private General Practitioner (GP) partners and other community care services. Monitors clients, documents and provides verbal reports on observations in accordance with standard procedures or specific direction. Facilitates the use of community services/resources and provides information on community services. Liaises and coordinates services with mental health and substance use and other medical professionals. Plans, organizes, facilitates and co-leads groups as required, participates in the process of case planning, assists clients with the activities of daily living including maintaining personal hygiene and appearance, safety, shopping, budgeting and escorting clients to appointments. Acts as an advocate for clients and acts as a resource for the Integrated Care Team by providing information/support related to clients with complex health care needs. Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect.

About Community Health Centers (CHC):
CHCs offer clinic services, referral services, support groups, therapy and ambulatory nutrition care, and a full range of addiction and mental health services, to those who are living with complex psychosocial and clinical needs, who are vulnerable and underserved, and who require a higher intensity of services to achieve and maintain functional stability. Each clinic is staffed with Integrated Care Teams (ICTs) to care for people who experience barriers accessing services, have no primary care providers and are challenged by complex health concerns (including psycho-social, physical, mental health and addiction co-morbidities). Each ICT provides care on-site and via outreach, with nurses, social workers, counselloers, peer specialists, community liaison workers, family physicians, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. ICTs are supported on-site by more specialized care providers: wound care clinicians, palliative care nurses, OTs, dieticians, and many other disciplines.

Requirements

• Certificate from a recognized Health Care Worker program such as Community Health Worker Program, plus two (2) years’ recent related experience supporting clients through a holistic mental health, substance use and primary care lens, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid B.C. Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes, as required.
• Knowledge of community, social and health resources.
• Ability to keyboard 5000 keystrokes per hour.
• Knowledge of substance misuse and of problems encountered by chemically dependent individuals; basic understanding of behavior management.
• Knowledge and experience in providing culturally safe and competent care, specifically pertaining to Aboriginal people.
• Knowledge and experience in Trauma Informed Practice, Harm Reduction and Recovery Oriented Care.
• Knowledge of mental health issues and treatment.
• Knowledge of appropriate acts i.e. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship, Public Health Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources in the DTES.
• Ability to demonstrate and assist client with activities of daily living.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, manage aggressive behaviour, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish/maintain satisfactory work relationships with the public and other employees, to deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, public and staff from other agencies, to maintain confidentiality and to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Monitors clients, documents and provides verbal reports on observations in accordance with standard procedures or specific direction.
• Facilitates the use of community services/resources and provides information on community services.
• Liaises and coordinates services with mental health and substance use and other medical professionals.
• Plans, organizes, facilitates and co-leads groups as required.
• Participates in the process of case planning.
• Assists clients with the activities of daily living including maintaining personal hygiene and appearance, safety, shopping, budgeting and escorting clients to appointments.
• Acts as an advocate for clients.
• Acts as a resource for the Integrated Care Team by providing information/support related to clients with complex health care needs.
• Establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree