Indigenous Mental Health Liaison Social Worker

We invite you to apply today and find out why employees recommend Fraser Health to their friends as an exceptional place to work. We are committed to planetary health, we value diversity in the work force and seek to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring and Trust.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Indigenous Health Liaison Social Worker based out of Fraser Health sites located in Abbotsford, B.C.This role gives you the chance to work as part of an Indigenous Health Liaison interprofessional team in supporting Indigenous clients and their families.

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka'pamux Nations. The Fraser Salish region is home to 32 First Nations Communities and 6 Métis Chartered Communities. Our team of 43,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

"Fraser Health Authority values diversity within the workplace. For this position, we also want to highlight that First Nations, Inuit, Metis or Indigenous ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for excellence in the position."

Effective October 26th 2021, all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization "WHO" approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

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Reporting to the Clinical Lead, Social Work, the Indigenous Mental Health Liaison Social Worker participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a variety of community, hospital and Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) settings. Within the context of an Indigenous health care perspective, provides culturally appropriate counselling and intermediary services to First Nations, Metis and Inuit clients. Plans, organizes, and evaluates clinical and psychosocial health care needs and services for Indigenous clients involving assessments, health teaching to clients, support, consultation, liaison, and referral to appropriate services. The Liaison collaborates with other programs across Fraser Health as well as Indigenous partner organizations such as First Nations Health Authority and Metis Nation BC. This position will facilitate connections between Indigenous clients and service providers to enhance access to Fraser Health services, with a culturally appropriate approach.

1. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team acts as an Indigenous Health liaison for clients, families, service providers, and community agencies to enhance service delivery through consultation, development of a care plan and forwarding necessary information to appropriate community services/agencies. Clarifies client and family expectations and acts as a client advocate.
2. Conducts client assessments and screenings that include evaluation of emotional, physical, social, spiritual, economic and mental status of client using information from all available sources. Participates in a multi-disciplinary team regarding Indigenous Health. Identifies clients and refers to appropriate services, as eligible. Communicates with and obtains assistance from appropriate community agencies and FHA programs to ensure the best possible care for clients and families after discharge from hospital.
3. Provides education and promotes health promotion initiatives/services to individuals, families, and Indigenous communities to increase knowledge, capacity and resources to maintain holistic wellness. Encourages informed decision-making, personal growth and learning, empowering the client to improve their quality of life.
4. Acts as the point of contact to assist with health system navigation and liaises with programs and services across FHA as well as community partners.
5. Acts in public relations and advocacy capacity to represent Indigenous Health to medical, care and support staff and other service providers, and to community agencies and their staff, by maintaining up to date knowledge of Indigenous Health. Provides consultation to staff for the purpose of enhancing knowledge of Indigenous cultures, contemporary social issues and health beliefs. Provides information on social and health services available in the community for Indigenous people. Participates in committees that integrate Indigenous Health with hospital, community and MHSU programs by providing input and addressing Indigenous Health issues.
6. Provides information, interpretation and guidance to general public, agencies, Boards, etc. on Acts and Regulations applicable to social work practices and functions.
7. Reviews and adapts relevant information material. Participates in professional development activities to keep up to date with current trends and research. Assists with orientation of new staff, students, and other health care professionals. Maintains knowledge of community social work services and resources.
8. Maintains related records, documentation and statistics. Prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an approved School of Social Work. Two (2) years' recent, related clinical social work experience in a hospital or community mental health setting including one year of experience working with Indigenous clients. Knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocol and cultural issues. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers.

Valid BC Driver's Licence and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of emotional, mental health and contemporary social issues relative to Indigenous communities.
• Ability to provide consultation to patients, families and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with hospital, community, MHSU and social agency personnel.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of Social Work/Clinical Counselling as applied to Indigenous populations.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate.
• Ability to organize and problem solve.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated teaching skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community.
• Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture and community resources and agencies.
• Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to Indigenous populations.
• Knowledge of Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness, cultural practices and protocols.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.