Chiropodist

**Company**:
Vaughan Community Health Centre

The Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC) is a not-for-profit, community-governed organization providing primary health care, social services, and illness prevention programs primarily to the residents of the Western and Northern York Region. We serve those people experiencing barriers to accessing health care services due to culture, language, age, chronic illness, or the like. The VCHC has implemented a direct referral system to improve access to inter-professional care by allowing non-team-based family physicians to connect vulnerable (medically and socially complex) clients to services available at the VCHC. As part of the health promotion framework of our services, we work in partnership with other community-based health and social service organizations to address individual, family and community needs.About the Clinic: Our clinic operates as an Inter-professional Primary Care Team (IPCT) optimizing the principles of population health management, designed to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. We aim to deliver holistic services that address both medical and social determinants of health. Our clinic serves diverse populations, including vulnerable and equity-deserving communities, by offering in-person, virtual, and mobile health services. By deploying a novel team-based care approach with team members working to the top of their scope, we strive to improve health outcomes and ensure equitable access to care for all our patients. We are committed to Indigenous and trauma-informed care, as well as providing care to the homeless. Support for training to provide such care will be provided.

**Location**:
Keswick

**Duties**:
The Chiropodist provides comprehensive foot care services within the Inter-professional Primary Care Team (IPCT), focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot conditions. This role includes assessing, treating, and preventing diseases, dysfunctions, or disorders of the foot through therapeutic, surgical, palliative, and orthotic means. The Chiropodist will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to ensure holistic, patient-centered care, especially for vulnerable and equity-deserving populations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform clinical duties by assessing clients for routine foot health and illness care, treating, and preventing disease, dysfunction, or disorders of the foot by therapeutic, surgical, palliative or orthotic means, as well as prescribing medications within the scope of the license. The performance of surgical procedures includes the injection of prescribed medications.
- Collaborate with Primary Care Provider (PCP) and other members of the IPCT to develop a care plan and adjust the plan based on patient progress and emerging health needs.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate chiropody services.
- Ensure that up-to-date infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices are followed, and chiropody resources and equipment are maintained.
- Provide education and support to patients and their families, empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective self-management.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of available external programs and resources to ensure that patients are appropriately referred to these programs to enhance their care, providing additional support and resources beyond the IPCT clinic.
- Work closely with the IPCT to ensure seamless patient care, maintaining accurate documentation of all patient interactions and care provided in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Note that the role's deliverables and responsibilities may evolve to match provincial and or local OHT priorities.

Location: The Chiropodist will work at the Keswick clinic site (716 The Queensway South, Keswick, ON) and will be required to travel within York Region & South Simcoe to provide client care at other locations and attend staff training or other meetings.

**Requirements**:
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Graduate of an accredited school of Chiropody or Podiatry
- Active registration and good standing with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario; and proof of professional liability insurance.
- One to three years of experience in a community-based and/or hospital setting.
- Proficient in using electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other healthcare technology commonly used in Ontario’s primary care settings.
- Strong knowledge of primary care practices, integrated care models, and multidisciplinary team coordination.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of Ontario's patient population, ensuring equitable and accessible care.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices.
- Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment
- Demonstrated expe