We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to assist the Kilala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative in the role of Social Navigator (our reimagined version of Social Worker). Kilala Lelum aims to provide access to decolonized primary care, Allied Health services, 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 Social Navigator (0.8 FTE), working within an interdisciplinary care team that includes Indigenous Elders, Physicians, Nurses, Allied Health professionals, and Outreach Workers, will deliver a plan of care and provide direct care activities to members within an integrated health service delivery model. Prior to commencing work, the Social Navigator will receive training at KL to ensure a smooth transition into the role.
Responsibilities:
- Care for members and families who are adversely affected by the social determinants of health and who experience health challenges including chronic disease, substance use, and mental illness.
- Attend weekly Social Navigation Team Meetings and Monthly Allied Wellness Canoe Meetings.
- Coordinate a plan of care and support transitions between services; demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of other health disciplines and their roles in care.
- Use health management and/or self-care management principles to identify problems, address issues or variances from the plan of care, and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team and other health care services.
- Act as a resource for the KL team by providing information and support based on theory and practice related to members’ complex health care needs.
- Provide direct care activities such as psycho-social assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting client care.
- Establish, maintain, and enhance therapeutic relationships based on respect, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction principles.
- Complete wellness checks, document relevant information, and work within care teams as necessary.
- Perform emergent or time-sensitive care as required, including appointment accompaniments.
- Take on member caseload, implement/improve plans of care, and ensure appropriate maintenance.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor of Social Work and/or Master of Social Work preferred, plus two (2) years of recent related experience in Vancouver’s DTES providing care through a holistic mental health, substance use, and primary care lens; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Current valid BC driver’s license is preferred.
- Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, or willingness to obtain within 6 months.
- Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry.
- Desire to work with the residents of the DTES and provide exceptional service.
- Ability to be culturally safe, culturally appropriate, and respectful with KL members.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and maintain good working relationships within the team and with community partners.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience with EMR, preferably OSCAR, would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of appropriate acts, including the Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, and Public Health Act, as they relate to the rights and obligations of members and staff.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
- Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate required.
Working Conditions:
Primary location will be 687 Powell Street with work also taking place at other KL sites and outreach locations.
Supervision Provided:
This position will be supervised by the Allied Manager/Allied Lead
Additional Information:
- Ideal start date is May 2025.
- Ideal days of work to be determined with successful candidate to meet requirements of 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week).
- Hourly salary will be based on the Kilala Lelum wage grid (which takes as its basis the Health Sciences Professionals wage grid) – $41.51/ hour
- Priority will be given to candidates who are Indigenous.
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
- Robust extended health and dental benefits available to qualifying staff.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by May 9, 2025. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role and how your background/experience meets the requirements and makes you a good fit for the role.
KL Model of Service:
