Chiropodist

WellFort is seeking multiple Chiropodists to join our HHP and HART HUB programs.

Locations:

• 40 Finchgate Blvd, Brampton, ON L6T 3H9
• 1767 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L5

Who We Are

Our Vision: A healthier community where everyone belongs.

Our Mission: High quality, accessible care for all.

Our Values: Client-Centred, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Diversity, Equity

WellFort Community Health Services is a values-based, non-profit, multi-service organization committed to reducing barriers to care and improving the health of our communities. We work from an equity-focused, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to serve individuals and families, many of whom have experienced systemic barriers and health inequities.

We prioritize people who face barriers to health and accessing services, including those who are:

• Experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
• Living with low income
• Newcomers to Canada with language barriers
• Living with moderate to severe mental health and/or substance use issues
• Living with disabilities
• Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)
• Black, mixed race, or racialized
• Experiencing intersectional oppression
• 2SLGBTQIA+
• Vulnerable children, youth, and families experiencing conflict, isolation, or attachment struggles

Program Description

HOMELESS HEALTH PROGRAM (HHP)

The Homeless Health Program is a Nurse Practitioner-led initiative that provides essential healthcare services to individuals who are homeless, precariously housed, or transitioning out of homelessness in the Peel Region. We understand the unique challenges faced by those without stable housing, and our goal is to make healthcare accessible, integrated, and responsive.

Our dedicated team includes Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Personal Support Workers, all working together to ensure our patients receive the care they need, where and when they need it. We remove barriers to care for those facing housing instability and poor health.

The program manages 45 medical beds at the Dundas Street Shelter, providing 24/7 care, as well as daytime mobile primary care services at other shelters and drop-ins across the region.

By providing these services, we help hospitals make the best use of their emergency and acute care resources. Patients who no longer need to stay in the hospital but still require medical support can continue their recovery in a shelter bed with healthcare services. We also offer additional support for people in shelters who may need extra medical attention, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

This program ensures that structurally vulnerable populations in our community have access to the care they deserve, improving overall health and wellbeing.

HART HUB

Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) is pleased to partner with various agencies in the Peel Region, including WellFort Community Health Services, to offer services to the local community at the new Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion.

The Opportunity

The Chiropodist is registered under the Provisions of the Chiropody Act in the Province of Ontario (Bill 43). Further, the Chiropodist will have post-graduate training and will be authorized by RHPS and Bill 45 to perform the following controlled acts:

• The cutting of subcutaneous tissues of the foot
• Administration by injection of a designated substance
• Prescribing topical and oral medications as designated (Jan 1999)

The Chiropodist is an independent practitioner working within a multi-disciplinary team. The main functions of the chiropodist are to provide direct care to clients to recognize and treat pathologies in the foot area which diminish the health, mobility, comfort and independence of clients. In addition, the chiropodist will provide health teaching, advocacy and health promotion services for clients, as well as consultation to nurses providing foot care services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Care: The Chiropodist treats and manages the care of patients with foot disorders by:

• Taking, recording and utilizing a complete chiropody and relevant medical history, in an accurate manner
• Performing a physical examination of the lower extremities for diagnostic purposes
• Administering diagnostic aids and ordering laboratory tests to determine the existence or extent of an abnormality or pathology
• Recognizing and referring to appropriate staff those clients with conditions or needs that are beyond the scope of the chiropodist
• Designing and implementing a comprehensive and individualized management plan for all patients
• Prescribing, designing and making foot orthotics where indicated
• Ensures and maintains personal and environmental hygiene, performs instrument sterilization and the packaging of instrument kits
• Maintains clear, accurate and timely written documentation including client charts, requisitions, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, the MOH, or other professionals

Health Promotion and Education

• Identifies trends or issues related to the health of client's feet and uses this information in planning and advocacy work
• Provides information and counseling to individuals and groups through discussion, workshops, provision of written materials, videos, etc.
• Acts as a resource to staff in the health Centre and in partner/community organizations on issues related to foot care

Advocacy and Outreach

• Advocates for and with clients to reduce barriers to accessing health care or other needed services
• Works with clients, especially marginalized groups, to ensure that they are treated with fairness and dignity
• Provides direct care and health promotion services in outreach locations. Acts as resource to staff in partner agencies
• Participates in the development and support of relevant public policies or programs
• Participates in other community projects or agency activities to provide education, information or to develop collaborative strategies

Administrative and Other

• Maintains clear, accurate and timely written and electronic documentation including EHR, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, MOH, COCOO and other regulatory bodies
• Contributes to policy/protocol development, in relation to health care service delivery and/or professional practice
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of government guidelines, acts and legislation affecting client care
• Stays current on evidence-based strategies that improve health
• Shares responsibility for the ordering, maintenance and proper handling of medications, supplies and equipment. Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocols for ordering, tracking and paying for supplies
• Supervises, supports or provides education for students from various disciplines with a particular focus on the determinants of health, primary health care and role of chiropodist within the Community Health Centre (CHC)
• Assumes responsibility for the ordering and maintenance of supplies and equipment. Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocol for ordering, tracking, and paying for supplies
• Participate in chart reviews and case conferences
• Participates in research when opportunities arise
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Bachelor of Science in Chiropody from a recognized university
• Registered and in good standing with the College of Chiropody of Ontario
• Eligible for membership with the Canadian Chiropody Association
• 3 to 5 years' experience in a health care setting with preferred experience in the community
• Demonstrated commitment to best practices, ongoing learning, and client centered care
• Experience working with communities and individuals who face barriers accessing traditional health care institutions due to poverty, discrimination, mental health and substance use issues
• An understanding of and critical analysis of the determinants of health and social factors, such as power dynamics that affect individual, organizational and community health
• Excellent written communication and oral skills that meet the needs of the individual and/or community at the appropriate literacy level
• Experience working with confidential and time sensitive documents and information
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working in a value based non-profit or social services organization
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of computers and various computer software applications, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Interested applicants:

Forward your resume to Quote "Job ID: 25010" in the subject line.