Social Navigator

Written By Alana LeClerc

About our Clinic & Team

Lu’ma Medical Centre Society (LMCS) provides wholistic, culturally safe and integrated primary care for Indigenous families and individuals. We provide the people need to improve their health outcomes.  We provide education and disease prevention through: attachment to a primary care provider, access to traditional healers, Elders, RN’s, connection to mental health Counsellors, and Social Navigators.  Our multi-disciplinary team members work closely together, to create a circle of care that braids the values of traditional and western health care, to meet the diverse needs of patients.  We nurture permanency in health care relationships and team members have an interest in long-term career employment at Lu’ma Medical Centre. 

Job Description

The Social Navigator opens doors of opportunity for individuals and families to connect with resources, services and programs they need to improve social determinants of health.  Individuals and families rostered to Lu’ma Medical Centre are introduced to the Social Navigator for support onsite and referrals to community service providers.  The Social Navigator has a blend of appointments, spontaneous introductions, and one to one sessions.  You may facilitate &/or participate in occasional workshops for patients on site.  You have the ability to respond to crisis as needed.  The Social Navigator lead delegates referrals and you are able to responsibly handle confidential files, documents, support patients in completing forms, and make submissions of documents as needed.

 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include being an active listener, listening to the client’s goals, assisting with social determinants, assist in completing government forms, responding to crisis, charting, maintaining records of completed work in EMR, attending interdisciplinary clinical/case conferences, connecting clients with community services, programs and resources, liasing with hospital & healthcare centres, and advocacy as needed. In the Social Navigator role you will:

·Maximize the functioning and independence of clients through system navigation support to individuals, families and groups, and maintaining necessary records;

·Ensure clients receive community supports, health, social, housing, and recreational services to which he/she is entitled by acting as an advocate;

Introduce patients to other Lu’ma Team members as needed for appropriate services or support;

·Act as a resource person to Team members and community residents by compiling information on community resources and facilitate access to those resources by liaising with community groups;

·Seek out and research new services and resources in the community for patients to access;

·Liase with Hospital social workers to provide seamless services for a community of caring after discharge;

·Ensure comprehensive treatment for clients by providing information to other Team members on an ongoing basis, and by providing consultation as needed;

·Assist individuals complete applications for access to resources people qualify for such as: PWD, CPPD, EI, Subsidies, GST, etc.

·Assist individuals complete applications for ID:  Status, Birth, SIN, Name change, Drivers License, Passport etc.

·Support families who are navigating VACFSS or MCFD systems;

·Participate in weekly Social Navigator team meetings and other case management meetings;

·Ensure all client records, assessment notes and correspondence are kept organized, secure, & have remain confidentiality;

·Chart necessary information in OSCAR EMR as required in a format that follows SOAP note and LMC conventions;

·Follow protocols and policies as required by LMC;

·Follow-up contact with clients to ensure the services you have coordinated have been connected appropriately;

·Provide leadership for appropriate community connections for the team and patients at Lu’ma Medical Centre; and

·Supervise social work students in field placement practicums.

·Participate in program evaluation/quality improvement by identifying opportunities for improvement in services. 

·Participate / witness respectfully in cultural protocols and ceremonies with clients and team.

 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

·        Demonstrated experience providing services to individuals with lived experience;

  • Minimum of two years of experience in a community-based service organization. Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in current assessment and social work techniques.

  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of community resources in Greater Vancouver.

  • Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with crises.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

  • Proficiency and experience working in a computerized environment.

  • Cultural safety awareness and experience.

  • An understanding of the British Columbia Mental Health Act, Mental Health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, Jordan’s Principle, and the Health Care Consent Act and relevant privacy legislation at both the provincial and federal levels.

  • Working knowledge of FNHA Benefits and ability to connect clients with eligible funding sponsors such as Social Assistance Benefits.

  • Successful candidates must undergo a Vulnerable Sector Screening reference check to the satisfaction of Lu’ma Medical Centre management.

  • Indigenous ancestry to turtle island is an asset and a preference.

 

Knowledge and Abilities

You have the demonstrated ability to:

·  Listen to clients and help them reach their social determinant goals;

·  Hold space for respectful conversations and honour information that will contribute to understanding the clients’ situation;

· Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members and community agency personnel;

·  Organize and track active work files in progress, organize and maintain files, chart, and submit documents to appropriate agencies;

·  Develop trusting and respectful relationships with team members and people you serve together;

·        Be curious, objective and compassionate, not judgemental;

·        Resolve and de-escalate conflict situations;

·        Work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

·        Operate a laptop and use Microsoft Office and EMR.

·        Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

·      Self regulate oneself mood and emotions in stressful situations and maintain     professional composure and communication with others.

·        Daily engage in self-wellness both at work and at home.

·        Create space for culturally safe care.

 

Educational Requirement

  • Bachelors in Social Work from a recognized university and extensive experience in supporting individuals and families navigate social service systems;

  • Current member in good standing the British Columbia College of Social Workers.

·       Two (2+) years of recent, related experience in a primary care setting and/or community healthcare setting.

·       Registration with a regulatory body - In good standing.

 

****Please share in your application letter if identify as First Nations, Aboriginal ******

Status:                 Part time 4 days/ week : Tuesday-Friday

Start Date:           ASAP

Wages:               $39/ hr

Hours:                  9am to 5pm

Posting Date:       April 26, 2024

Closing Date:       When position is filled

Apply:                  Email Cover Letter and Resume to:  Jobs@LNHS.ca

Alana LeClerc
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