We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join the Kilala Lelum Health Centre as an Outreach Worker in Primary Care. Kilala Lelum aims to provide access to primary care and Elder-led cultural care to new and existing members of the Health Centre through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
Job Summary:
The Outreach Worker (0.8 FTE) is an integral part of Kilala Lelum’s interdisciplinary healthcare team, collaborating with primary care providers (Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners), the Mobile Outreach Program (MOP), Chronic Pain Program, and the Cultural Wellness team. The role supports members’ access to primary care and Elder-led cultural care in the DTES. The Outreach Worker fosters positive relationships with people living in the DTES, collaborates across programs to ensure team-based, member-centered care, and connects members with community supports and services.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach, including wellness checks, to members in the community.
- Facilitate the use of community services and resources, liaising with outside agencies as needed.
- Collaborate with Kilala Lelum’s integrated care team and community partners.
- Participate in case planning and support member access to medications and appointments.
- Accompany members to appointments and provide advocacy for emergent needs.
- Establish therapeutic relationships based on trust and respect.
- Provide referrals to other community services, distribute harm reduction supplies, and document encounters in the EMR system.
- Proactively check in with Primary Care team members to address member needs.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Experience with OSCAR EMR is an asset.
- Minimum of one year of experience in outreach, housing support, or community services serving Indigenous communities or individuals facing multiple barriers to wellness, ideally within the DTES.
- Ability to manage conflict, de-escalate aggressive behavior, and use non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to collaborative problem-solving.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.
- Ability to assess outreach locations for safety and support both personal and member safety.
- Knowledge and experience working with Indigenous peoples and culture; completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate is required.
- Overdose response training or willingness to be trained immediately.
Working Conditions:
- Outreach duties take place in the DTES in hotels, SROs, and private residences, adhering to safety guidelines provided by the Primary Care team and Vancouver Coastal Health.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties, including assisting members using mobility devices, lifting up to 15lbs, and walking 5-10 km per day.
- A driver’s license is an asset.
Supervision Provided:
This position is supported by the Primary Care Co-Leads, Administrative Lead, and Indigenous Health Lead.
Additional Information:
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
- Hourly wage: $29.29/hour.
- Hours: 0.8 FTE (32 hours/week).
- Comprehensive extended health and dental benefits included.
- Ideal start date: November 2024.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role, how your background and experience make you a good fit, and your availability. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until November 6th, 2024.
