Purpose of Position:

The Social Worker provides culturally safe and trauma-informed client-centered support to community members, including those who use substances, those in recovery, and those seeking connection to resources for their overall well-being. Working as part of a community-based interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker assists individuals in navigating life transitions, accessing services, and strengthening their connection to community, culture, and self-determined healing pathways.

Responsibilities:

·        Provides a continuum of services such as prevention, promotion, and education for individuals and families

·        Support individuals who use substances in navigating pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment life skills, based on their self-identified goals.

·        Engage in community outreach, workshops, and education initiatives to increase awareness of available services and culturally safe recovery pathways.

·        Provides support and information about recovery options, resources and services to people who are looking for recovery pathways to cope with problematic substance use, their families, and supports.

·        Meets regularly with clients, eliciting concerns, identifying goals and expectations. Reviews client and family learning needs, assisting with understanding of problematic substance use and the recovery process.

·        Assumes the role of a client navigator to promote and maintain client’s access to a range of harm reduction and recovery services based on each client’s individual goals. Supports client in removing barriers for accessing and participating in recovery programs including care plan to address financial needs, transportation, coordinating with client’s care team, coordinating with client’s support systems, coordinating with the recovery services and ongoing communication and support with client.

·        Participate in in-services, inter-disciplinary case conferences and team meetings, as required by Niislaa Naay and share information

·        Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, educational resources and other health care professionals/providers to achieve excellence in health services and education

·        Provide an ongoing commitment to client services and continuous improvement to ensure best practice client services and the most effective delivery of service

·        Bridge clients to appropriate community services

·        Attend and participate in Haida Health Centre staff meetings

·        Perform related duties as required

·        Adhere to the NNHHS Conditions of Employee Handbook

 

Education and Training:

·        Bachelor’s degree in social work; or equivalent relevant education.

·        Minimum 2 years post-degree related experience, preferably with First Nations clients

·        Valid BC Driver’s License.

·        Experience working with BC First Nations organizations and communities.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

·        Knowledge of the health and wellness governance landscape in First Nations health in BC, particularly the Haida Nation and relative to mental wellness. Knowledge of and an ability to integrate Haida cultural principles and protocols into practice.

·        Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles relative to mental wellness, suicide prevention, Trauma-Informed Care, and mental health emergency response, particularly relative to First Nations in BC, including the current programs and services available.

·        Knowledge of Indigenous mental wellness health system needs, including mental health and wellness issues that face BC First Nations.

·        Ability to support clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.

·        Integrates best practice and Haida community directives to support professional practice decisions and actions.

·        Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written, computer communication means.

·        Ability to effectively apply conflict resolution skills.

·        Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills using a systems approach.

·        Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns

·        Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.

·        Promotes staff morale, engagement, and empowerment.

·        A commitment to learning and understanding Haida Laws and protocol to ensure services are aligned with Haida culture and values

·        Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Windows based programs

·        Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools