Job Title: Social Worker
Program: Primary Care Clinic
Status: Full Time, Permanent, Unionized
Wages: $37.66–$46.15/hour
Location: 449 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5
Hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday

Closing Date: Open until filled

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community for over 30 years. Our services are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. VAHS programs include a cultural team of Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers; a comprehensive Primary Care Clinic; a Dental Clinic with by-donation services; and Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Social Worker will provide direct services to patients of the VAHS Primary Care Clinic, including:

  • intakes and psycho-social assessments;
  • patient-centered care plan development, implementation, and evaluation;
  • support group program delivery;
  • outreach services as required;
  • supporting continuity of care by liaising with a multidisciplinary team, coordinating integrated care, and documenting case management; and
  • patient advocacy by supporting transitions and navigating health/social services.

This is a permanent, full time position with normal working hours of 8:30–4:30 from Monday to Friday; hours may be adjusted to support evening programs. Work is on-site at our 449 East Hastings location.

The wage range for this position is $37.66 to $46.15/hour with benefits and pension offered after three months. This position is unionized as part of the BCGEU Collective Agreement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Current and full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
  • Master of Social Work with at least 2 years related experience preferred, or Bachelor of Social Work with at least 5 years related experience.
  • A combination of education and work experience will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of health care disciplines and their role in patient care.
  • Demonstrated ability in dealing with a variety of situations and responsibilities requiring initiative, creativity, and professional judgment.
  • Knowledge of the principles/practices of a patient-centered model in holistic health care.
  • Knowledge of appropriate policies and Acts, including the Employment and Assistance Act, Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Public Health Act, and Human Rights Act, as they relate to the rights of patients.
  • Experience providing culturally safe care, including but not exclusive to urban Indigenous peoples.
  • Experience in crisis intervention and supportive counselling.
  • Experience utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches in recovery-oriented care.
  • Experience in assessment and interventions pertaining to mental health and substance misuse, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and other appropriate modalities.
  • Broad knowledge of local health/social systems and community resources, particularly those available in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct mental status and suicide risk assessments.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with patients, colleagues, physicians, and other health care/social services professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage caseloads.
  • Demonstrated ability to document practices in electronic records, per VAHS policy.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to adhere to professional standards and practice.
  • Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, Internet, and email software.

The ideal candidate has a comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions. This knowledge will be complemented by experience working with a marginalized population seeking support for compounded social and economic issues, including mental health challenges, complex trauma, substance use, chronic diseases, oppression, homelessness, and poverty.

VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate. 

We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume with a cover letter to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Social Worker Application

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. This posting will remain open until filled. VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.