Social Worker, Primary Care Network - (208848)

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Social Worker works independently as a member of the Primary Care Network team and provides advanced clinical skills and techniques. Acts as a clinical resource in the area of social work, education, and counseling for an identified population of patients living with chronic diseases and/or experiencing difficulty with the social determinants of health (housing, finances, access to health care, etc.) in the community. Participates in case management. Provides assessment, care planning, intervention, and consultation where social, economic, emotional, or psychological circumstances present barriers to care and/or an optimum level of function for patients.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of Island Health in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training And Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited university. Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. Two years' recent related experience in a healthcare setting working with medically complex clients with concurrent disorders, or a combination of education, training, and experience including comprehensive knowledge of chronic health challenges, geriatrics, community health principles, human development, behavior, and family/group dynamics; working knowledge of applicable legislation; working knowledge of available programs and services, their interrelationships, and their function in delivering care in the community.

Valid BC Driver's License.

Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated counseling skills, including crisis, loss, and grief counseling.
• Demonstrated ability to determine and deal with changing and emerging situations with patients in a flexible and adaptable manner.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and build effective relationships with primary care providers, other disciplines, and community partners that foster a team approach to patient care.
• Has basic computer skills.
• Possesses knowledge of primary health care principles, community development concepts, and the strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority related to primary health care and chronic disease management practices.
• Has a working knowledge of facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills and techniques.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated case management, clinical support, and consultation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, to work independently, and to use a cooperative, proactive, and facilitative approach to patient care.
• Able to work inter-collegially on a multidisciplinary team, to show initiative and act independently.
• Able to communicate effectively with the team, primary care providers, patients, their families, and caregivers.
• Able to act as a clinical resource and educator, utilizing the principles of adult learning.
• Able to prioritize and organize workload.