Social Worker (MSW) - Primary Care

Vancouver Coastal Health; Powell River; On-site; CAD 58,231 - 72,751; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits package

Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities

Wellness supports for employees and families

Recognition programs for staff

Exclusive discount offers for VCH staff

Job summary

Vancouver Coastal Health is hiring a Primary Care Social Worker in Powell River, BC. The role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating social work care for patients in collaboration with a diverse team. Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work and be registered with the BC College of Social Workers. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive health benefits package, including training and wellness supports.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
• Two (2) years recent, related clinical experience.
• Valid BC Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate social work care for patients/clients.
• Develop partnerships with Primary Care Providers.
• Provide direct care activities and continuity of care.

Skills

Patient/client assessment skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma Informed Practice

Culturally safe care

Communication skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Current registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers

Job description

Salary range: CAD $42.27/Hr. – CAD $52.81/Hr.

Location: Powell River, BC.

Responsibilities

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). The Social Worker 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. The Social Worker provides direct care activities such as bio‑psycho‑social‑spiritual assessments, short‑term counselling and related behavioural health supports, establishes therapeutic relationships, and coordinates 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.

Education & Experience

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to provide care planning, supportive counselling, 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/client care information documentation system.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Hours of Work and Policy

The hours of work, including days off and work area, may be subject to change in accordance with operational requirements and the Collective Agreement. All health care workers are required to report their receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections as part of the onboarding process, in line with Ministry of Health policy.

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 for 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.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We encourage applications from equity‑deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples, members of racialised groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations. VCH supports equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments.