Mental Health Navigator & Social Worker

Reporting to the program manager, the social worker is dedicated to the mental health team within the EOPCN and is responsible for two core components within the mental health program. The first is acting as the key resource to connect patients to the right resources and/or providers within the PCN and/or greater community.

The second component of the role is providing direct support to individual patients in need of social work support (i.e. Housing, finances, food resources, employment support). Although this position works collaboratively within the entire interdisciplinary team in the PCN and in connecting with community resources, it should be noted that this role functions with a great deal of independence in the execution of their day-to-day duties. The role is considered to be a full-scope social worker in accordance with the Alberta College of Social Workers

This position is Monday to Friday, in-person, at the EOPCN central office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Interview patients, their families, and other concerned parties to obtain information about personal, social, and environmental history.

• Work with patients and their care partners to achieve goals as mutually decided upon by the patient and their care team.
• Assess the social determinants of health and develop care plans based on culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions.
• Participate in early detection of emerging patient emotional and behavioural disorders.
• Co-facilitate patient education workshops to promote biopsychosocial well-being.
• Connect patients to programs and services both internal and external to the PCN. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust care plans accordingly.
• Advocate to meet patient and family needs such as food, housing, transport, and financial support.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences and provide consultation and education to support other health care service providers.
• Communicate to family physician the status of patient progress through documentation of relevant clinical information, referral correspondence, patient interaction, and patient care plans in a timely manner.
• Develop positive working relationships/partnerships with other disciplines, agencies, and health care professionals to promote coordinated service, quality care and access to suitable resources for clients.
• Maintain a high level of current knowledge, trends, and resources in the zone/province.
• Collect and maintain data for individual clients and program evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of two years of social work experience. Candidates that have worked in a primary care or community-setting; experience in mental health and/or non-profit organizations supporting individuals with social or mental health concerns are preferred. Please note that all candidates for the above position must have:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
• Active, non-provisional registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)..
• Knowledge of clinical social work practices, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary team-based care.
• Strong understanding of local and provincial community resources, including mental health, financial assistance, housing, food security, and crisis support services.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and effectively support individuals experiencing mental health concerns and crisis situations.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, and Health Information Act.
• Working knowledge of professional standards, ethical practice, and regulatory requirements governing social work practice.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Teams) and other computer applications; experience with electronic medical records (EMRs) is an asset.
• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
• Additional training in Suicide Risk/Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR Level C, and/or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is considered an asset.
• Successful candidates must provide a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.