We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity for women in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to assist the Self-Identified Women and Gender Diverse Program at Kilala Lelum Health Centre 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 Self-Identifying Women and Gender Diverse members within Kilala Lelum. The Social Navigator will also work closely with the Reclaiming Our Spirits (ROS) members; ROS supports Indigenous Women by addressing their unique health and wellness needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma, violence, or marginalization. Prior to commencing work, the Social Navigator will receive training at KL to ensure a smooth transition into the role.
Responsibilities:
- Provide care for women who are adversely affected by the social determinants of health and who experience health challenges including chronic disease, substance use, and mental illness.
- Coordinate a plan of care tailored to women’s specific needs and support transitions between services; demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of other health disciplines and their roles in care.
- Facilitate Social Navigation drop-in program for Wednesday and Friday Night women’s circles.
- Support the Mobile Outreach Program (MOP) at WISH Drop-in Centre on Wednesday mornings.
- Provide direct care activities such as psycho-social assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting client care with a focus on women’s health and wellness.
- Attend weekly Social Navigator Team meetings and monthly Allied Wellness Canoe meetings.
- Establish, maintain, and enhance therapeutic relationships with women based on respect, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, and harm reduction principles.
- Complete wellness checks, document relevant information, and escalate within care teams as necessary.
- Perform emergent or time-sensitive care as required, including appointment accompaniments.
- Take on member caseloads, implement/improve plans of care, and ensure appropriate follow-up.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor of Social Work required and/or Master of Social Work strongly preferred, plus two (2) years of recent related experience in Vancouver’s DTES providing care to women 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 a willingness to obtain within 6 months..
- Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry.
- Experience working with women, particularly those who have experienced trauma, violence, or marginalization, is strongly preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- 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:
- The Social Navigator will work at all of the Kilala Lelum sites, including the MOP van, with co-working office space at 687 Powell Street until our new site at 121 Heatley has opened.
- 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week), with some flexibility required to meet the specific needs of women in the community.
- This program is funded by Canada’s Reaching Home program; a 2-year funding contract. There is a possibility that this funding will renew upon the completion of 2-years.
Supervision Provided:
This position will report to the Allied Health Lead, receive support from the Lead, the Social Navigation Coordinator and members of the Allied Health team, including other Social Navigators and Counsellors, as well as the Primary Care Co-Leads, HR and Admin Lead, and Executive Director.
Additional Information:
- Ideal start date as soon as possible to ensure sufficient training.
- Hourly salary will be based on the Kilala Lelum wage grid, commensurate with local health authorities – starting at $39.53 for Registered Social Workers.
- Robust extended health and dental benefits available to qualifying staff.
- Priority will be given to candidates who are Indigenous.
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
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. Applications will be accepted until September 13, 2024.
KL Model of Service:
