Social Worker – Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)

Location: Downtown Eastside (DTES), Vancouver, BC
Program: Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)
Position Type: Temporary Part-Time (0.6 FTE, 1-Year Term)
Hours of Work: 24 hours per week, Monday to Thursday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Wage: $42.00 – $46.00 per hour
Union: BCGEU
Benefits: Eligible for extended health benefits and pension after three months of employment

About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a proud Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that has served the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. Our programs and services are designed by and for urban Indigenous people and are grounded in Indigenous culture, community, and wellness.

VAHS offers a range of culturally safe and holistic services including:

  • A Cultural Wellness Program supported by Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers

  • A Comprehensive Primary Care Clinic

  • A By-Donation Dental Clinic

  • Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families

At VAHS, we are committed to supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our community through compassionate, non-judgmental, and culturally grounded care.

Program Overview

The Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC) program addresses the urgent healthcare needs of women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, particularly those experiencing homelessness, physical health concerns, mental health challenges, and substance use issues.

Using a mobile health unit, WMPC delivers accessible, culturally safe, trauma-informed healthcare and support services directly within the community. The program works to reduce barriers to care while promoting health equity, dignity, and wellness.

Position Summary

The Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting WMPC clients to access essential social, health, housing, cultural, and community resources. Through advocacy, case management, assessment, and system navigation, the Social Worker helps women identify their strengths, address barriers, and work toward their goals.

This position requires a compassionate, client-centered professional who is committed to supporting marginalized women through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches.

The Social Worker reports to the Program Supervisor and Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

  • Attend weekly WMPC outreach visits and act as the primary contact for social service requests.

  • Conduct client intakes, assessments, and triage to identify needs and priorities.

  • Provide advocacy, practical assistance, and ongoing support to clients.

  • Assist clients with completing forms, applications, and documentation, both online and in paper format.

  • Accompany clients to healthcare, housing, legal, and social service appointments during regular working hours while adhering to outreach safety protocols.

  • Connect clients with appropriate resources and services, including housing supports, healthcare providers, legal aid, cultural programming, income assistance, and community agencies.

  • Establish trusting relationships and support client engagement with WMPC services.

  • Develop and implement case plans in collaboration with clients.

  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records and case notes within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

  • Ensure client files are updated and maintained according to program standards.

  • Collaborate with physicians, nurses, clinic staff, program coordinators, supervisors, and community partners to support holistic client care.

  • Support appointment coordination and service access for WMPC clients.

  • Assist with outreach site setup and take-down as required.

  • Follow all program protocols, policies, procedures, and operational requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) or Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW).

  • Current registration with the BC College of Social Workers.

  • Experience in social services, case management, outreach, or a related field.

  • Strong understanding of the social, economic, and systemic challenges experienced by women in the Downtown Eastside.

  • Excellent advocacy and systems navigation skills.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation abilities.

  • Commitment to cultural safety, cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction principles.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in Indigenous health and wellness settings.

  • Knowledge of Indigenous approaches to holistic wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

  • Familiarity with community resources, housing supports, healthcare services, and social service systems within the DTES.

  • Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, mental health concerns, and systemic barriers.

  • Lived experience in the Downtown Eastside or similar communities is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong assessment, case planning, advocacy, and client engagement skills.

  • Ability to build trust and establish meaningful relationships with vulnerable populations.

  • Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, strength-based, and harm reduction approaches.

  • Understanding of Indigenous health and the impacts of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities.

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

  • Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.

  • Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning.

Why Work at VAHS?

Joining VAHS means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness through culturally grounded care. We value respect, collaboration, accountability, and community connection while creating meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VAHS is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates.