Social Worker (Part Time) - Temporary

Optima Living; Vernon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Vernon, BC, is seeking a Social Worker to provide compassionate support and counseling for residents navigating life transitions. Responsibilities include conducting needs assessments, offering emotional support, and guiding families through care options. The ideal candidate will be registered with the BC College of Social Workers and possess strong collaboration and communication skills. This is a temporary position from January to April 2026, with a structured work schedule providing 24 hours biweekly.

Qualifications

• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is required.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult situations effectively.
• Computer literacy skills required.

Responsibilities

• Completes assessments of resident needs to guide care planning.
• Provides emotional support and counseling to residents.
• Plans and facilitates resident and family care conferences.

Skills

Collaborative teamwork

Crisis intervention

Strong written communication

Problem-solving

Education

Recognized Social Work or related program

Registered with BC College of Social Workers

Job description

Let us welcomeyouhome at The Hamlets of Vernon in Vernon, BC.

Optima Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long Term Care and Memory Care communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Our communities are among the best places to live in Western Canada.

Our Vision: For every person to feel at home.

This is truly supported by our credo. “Let us welcome you home.” At Optima Living, we feel genuinely honoured to work with our residents and we advocate a resident-centered approach where the resident is the focus of all our endeavours.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Care, the Social Worker provides compassionate support and counselling for residents and families as they navigate life transitions, care planning, and emotional or psychosocial challenges. This role plays a key part in promoting resident wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life through meaningful engagement, collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, and connection to internal and community resources.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

This is a temporary position from January 2026 till April 2026 with a work schedule of 8 hours on Mondays and 4 hours on Wednesdays (24 hours biweekly)

Responsibilities

• Completes move in and ongoing assessments of resident needs, including psychosocial factors, to guide care planning and goal setting.
• Provides emotional support, counselling, and guidance to residents and families who are adjusting to long-term care or significant life transitions.
• Supports advance care planning and assists residents and families navigate care options and available resources.
• Provides guidance to residents and families on available financial assistance and funding resources.
• Verifies the accuracy and completeness of legal or consent documents during the move-in process (e.g. Power of Attorney and Substitute Decision Maker).
• Plans and facilitates resident and family care conferences.
• Develops informational material for educational purposes and conducts workshops and educational sessions as needed.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Respects and upholds the Resident Bill of Rights and the Assisted Living Rights of Residents (BC only).
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of a recognized Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Education, behaviour science or related programs.
• Registered in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers.
• Experience as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist is an asset.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is required.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Experienced in crisis intervention.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check