Social Worker (MSW), Primary Care

Notice

NOW ACCEPTING LATE INTERNAL APPLICATIONS: Please note that the internal competition for this position is now closed, however we are still accepting late applications from qualified internal candidates. Should you choose to apply, your application will only be considered after on-time internal applicants have been considered.

Description

JOB SUMMARY:Within the context of a patient/client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision, values and policies of the organization, and a team based model of care, the Social Worker, Primary Care assesses, plans, implements and evaluates social work care for patients and families who require high priority care within 24 hours. The Social Worker develops and maintains partnerships with primary care providers in accordance with the local Community of Care (COC) service delivery model and Primary Care Network. The Social Worker cares for clients and families who are experiencing health challenges such as, but not limited to, end of life, chronic disease, mental health and substance use and are adversely affected by the social determinants of health to coordinate a plan of care and support transitions and navigation among services. The Social Worker uses health management and/or self-care management principles to identify problems, address issues or variances from the plan of care in collaboration with the entire interdisciplinary team and any other health care services involved. The Social Worker provides direct care activities such as psycho-social assessments, short term counseling and related behavioral health supports, establishing, maintaining and enhancing therapeutic relationships and coordinating individualized goal-oriented treatment.This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work. Two (2) years recent clinical experience that is relevant to the designated clinical area or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. As local area travel between UPCC sites may be required, the use of a vehicle or other accepted mode of transportation may be required and will be listed on the posting.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.Demonstrated ability in dealing with a variety of situations and responsibilities requiring initiative, creativity and professional judgment.Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of a client and family centred recovery model in mental illness.Demonstrated ability to assess clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate acts; e.g. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Continuing Care Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety. Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.Demonstrated knowledge of mental health & substance use treatments.Demonstrated knowledge of other facilities and community resources.Demonstrated ability to conduct mental status exams and suicide risk assessments.Demonstrated knowledge of ability to provide care planning, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and case coordination.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.Demonstrated ability to problem solve, use critical thinking skills, and deal effectively with conflict situations. Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.

Details

Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited School of Social Work, and a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. If you are applying under equivalency, please clearly outline in your application how your knowledge, education, skills and experience meet Master of Social Work (MSW) equivalency.

 

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.