Outreach Worker for Relational Care Program (0.4 FTE)
We are seeking an Outreach Worker who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join the Relational Care Program at Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative. This program aims to provide access to food security, nursing and Allied Health services, and Elder-led cultural care to new and existing members of the Kilala Lelum. There are approximately 300 members on the food security program and 50 members enrolled in medication management/case management services in Relational Care. Our aim is to provide healthcare services through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
Job Summary:
The Outreach Worker (0.4 FTE), supported by an integrated health service team, provides support services to our members living in the DTES.
Working within an integrated health service delivery model and interdisciplinary care team that includes primary care, mental health, and substance use, the Outreach Worker will outreach members (patients), work closely with other community care providers to offer support, and document/provide verbal reports on observations in collaboration with nursing staff. The Outreach Worker role is integral in establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with folks in the DTES in order to improve access to cultural connections and healthcare services for members accessing Kilala Lelum.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach to members in the community; deliver medications and food.
- Facilitate the use of community services/resources.
- Liaise and coordinate services with the integrated care team and community agencies.
- Participate in the process of case planning, assist members with medication management, and accompany members to appointments as needed.
- Act as an advocate for members’ health and psychosocial needs.
- Establish, maintain, and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Knowledge of and experience providing culturally safe and competent care, specifically pertaining to Indigenous people, and a commitment to ongoing professional development in Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented care preferred.
- Experience working with people with mental health and substance use disorders.
- Ability to deal effectively with conflict, manage aggressive behaviour, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
- Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team.
- Ability to: establish/maintain satisfactory work relationships with the public and other employees; deal tactfully and effectively with co-workers, public, and staff from other agencies; maintain confidentiality; and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Basic computer literacy and familiarity with OSCAR EMR an asset.
Working Conditions:
- Outreach duties will occur within the DTES in hotels, SROs, and private apartments following the safety guidelines of the Relational Care leadership team and VCH.
- Occasional accompaniments to appointments at various hospitals and clinics within Vancouver.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position (including walking up to 10km/day).
Supervision Provided:
This position is supervised by the Relational Care Outreach Manager and the Relational Care Lead and will receive support and mentorship from the rest of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the Administrative Lead, and the Executive Director.
Additional Information:
- Hourly wage is $29.00/hour.
- Ideal schedule is Monday and Wednesday each week to fulfill requirements of 0.4 FTE (16 hours/week).
- Shifts are 8:00am until 3:00pm with one hour paid lunch break.
To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter by Monday, November 6, 2023 to [email protected]. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
