Social Worker (MSW) - Primary Care

Vancouver Coastal Health • Powell River, BC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Within the context of a team-based model of care and in collaboration with the Primary Care Provider (Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner) and other members of the PCN Interdisciplinary team, the Primary Care Social Worker assesses, plans, implements and evaluates social work care for patients/clients and caregiver(s). Develops and maintains partnerships with the Primary Care Provider in accordance with the local PCN care delivery model as co-designed by the PCN Partners (local Division of Family Practice, VCH Community of Care and First Nations Partners).The Social Worker cares for patients/clients and caregiver(s), who are experiencing health and/or social challenges. Provides direct care activities such as bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments, short term counselling and related behavioural health supports, establishing therapeutic relationships and coordinating individualized goal-oriented treatment. In collaboration with the patient/client, the Social Worker provides continuity of care by liaising with team members, coordinating ongoing care, supporting transitions and navigating services. Practices in accordance with the established standards of professional practice as outlined by British Columbia College of Social Workers as well as within VCH vision and values, policies, standards, and decision support tools.

Primary Care Networks (PCN) will be the backbone of the provincial Primary Health-Care Strategy. This new model of care is enabled and managed locally through a partnership between Health Authorities, Divisions of Family Practice and First Nations communities. PCNs include multi-disciplinary teams of nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals, working alongside and supporting family physicians, nurse practitioners at primary care offices, Primary Care Community Health Centres, Urgent and Primary Care centres, and services delivered by not-for-profit community health partners. PCNs are expected to provide patients and primary care providers with strong, effective links to hospitals and diagnostic service providers. Team members involved in the patient’s care will work closely together, so that they can get a full picture of the health care needs. Under the new structure, patients will be able to more quickly and easily access a full range of health care options, have the ability to have a regular family physician or nurse practitioner and access to more health team members. Adopting team based care approach in Primary Care Networks aims to increase patients' access to primary care services, strengthen the ability of existing physicians to expand - or remain in - their practice, and broaden the set of specific skills and expertise available to patients as they are receiving care. And it will ensure that the systems and tools required to make that care function are in place, and are well supported in the patient’s journey to better health.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work
• two (2) years recent, related clinical experience relevant to the designated clinical area or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
• Valid BC Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient/client care.
• Demonstrated ability in managing a variety of situations and responsibilities requiring initiative, creativity and professional judgment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of a patient/client and family centred recovery model in mental illness.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
• Demonstrated understanding of health care ethics and ability to incorporate ethical decision making in practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge to assess patient/clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate legislation acts; e.g. Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Continuing Care Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of patients/patient/clients and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Trauma Informed Practice, Harm Reduction and Recovery Oriented care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health & substance use treatments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of other facilities and community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct mental status exams and suicide risk assessments.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ability to provide care planning, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and care coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize when referral to another health care professional is required
• Demonstrated ability to support seamless transition in care.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, use critical thinking skills, and deal effectively with conflict situations.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized patient/patient/client care information documentation system.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates social work care for patients/clients and caregiver(s).
• Develops and maintains partnerships with the Primary Care Provider.
• Provides direct care activities such as bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments, short term counselling and related behavioural health supports.
• Establishes therapeutic relationships and coordinating individualized goal-oriented treatment.
• Provides continuity of care by liaising with team members, coordinating ongoing care, supporting transitions and navigating services.
• Practices in accordance with the established standards of professional practice as outlined by British Columbia College of Social Workers as well as within VCH vision and values, policies, standards, and decision support tools.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with 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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level