Link Worker

JOB SUMMARY: Link Worker connects seniors to a variety of non-medical services in our community to improve their health and well-being. Physicians and health professionals refer older patients to our program knowing our Link Worker will then work with individuals to connect them with a range of local services that meet their needs and interests. The social supports can vary and include financial supports, nutritional services, social opportunities, transportation, caregiver programs, mental health supports, arts activities, and physical exercise programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Assist clients to connect with health and social services that promote belonging, independence, and well-being.
- Answer phones, respond to walk-in clients, assess needs, and provide information regarding community resources and programs.
- Promote information about Linked Together and social prescribing with Interior Health clinicians and family physicians. Share our referral process and client outcomes as appropriate.
- Conduct telephone, home, or in-office assessments of referred clients to determine fit for program.
- Share information about variety of community-based services for seniors, including income assistance, nutritional supports, physical activities, and social programs.
- Meet with individual seniors to assess strengths and needs, and create a personalized plan to realize goals for enhancing well-being and quality of life.
- Assist in arranging transportation when appropriate, for senior client, to enable attendance in programs. Transport clients when appropriate.
- Provide ongoing case management and to promote continued participation in programs or to find new services as required.
- Maintaining client files, program statistics, and progress notes with our client management system.
- Prepare monthly and annual program reports, both written and statistical.
- Request volunteers to assist clients, if appropriate, from Volunteer Coordinator.
- Participate in program evaluation efforts as requested by funder and organization.
- Assist with community events and presentations when required.
- Work cooperatively with other staff and management for special events and community programs.
- Work as part of agency team to ensure best practices in service provision to client through all services and programs.
- Participate in webinars and meetings of a Social Prescribing Community of Practice group. Contribute to the development of seniors-specific resources and knowledge exchange.
- Promote linkages and collaboration between local and provincial seniors service providers.
- Participate in continuous self-education and ongoing learning about aging related topics, like income supports, elder abuse, home supports, grief and loss etc.
- Other duties as assigned, due to fluctuating and dynamic needs of the agency

QUALIFICATIONS & ASSETS:

- Post-secondary education in social work, nursing, counselling or related human services or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Demonstrated experience and skills working with individuals who are living with poverty, housing instability, life transitions, and complex health and social issues.
- Ability to provide an open and welcoming demeanor as first point of contact with clients, including the capability to listen and communicate with compassion, and the confidence to be assertive when needed.
- Must have strong ethics, professional boundaries, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge base of age-related changes including mobility, hearing, memory, cognitive function, vision, and chronic health conditions.
- Knowledge of local health and social service systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent computer literacy skills (Microsoft Office)
- Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
- Must successfully complete a criminal record check and first aid training.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

**Salary**: $26.00-$28.39 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Vaccination Status Collection Policy for all employees. We abide by public health orders and have a Communicable Disease Prevention Policy & Plan that sets out our procedures and practices for infection controls.

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-07-17
Expected start date: 2023-07-17