Indigenous Health Liaison Social Worker

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 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 regarding self-care and whole body health. Encourages informed decision-making, personal growth and learning, empowering the client to improve their quality of life.
4. Acts as the point of contact and liaises with community partners. 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 and community programs by providing input and addressing Indigenous Health issues.
5. Provides information, interpretation and guidance to general public, agencies, Boards, etc. on Acts and Regulations applicable to social work practices and functions.
6. 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.
7. Maintains related records, documentation and statistics. Prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures.
8. 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 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 the Indigenous community.
• 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 community health 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.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.

Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.

People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 48,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers.

We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner.

Together, we are the heart of health care.

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