Social Worker

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Care, the Social Worker provides compassionate support and counselling for residents and families as they navigate life transitions, care planning, and emotional or psychosocial challenges. This role plays a key part in promoting resident well being, dignity, and quality of life through meaningful engagement, collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, and connection to internal and community resources.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Completes move in and ongoing assessments of resident needs, including psychosocial factors, to guide care planning and goal setting.
• Provides emotional support, counselling, and guidance to residents and families who are adjusting to long-term care or significant life transitions.
• Supports advance care planning and assists residents and families navigate care options and available resources.
• Provides guidance to residents and families on available financial assistance and funding resources.
• Verifies the accuracy and completeness of legal or consent documents during the move-in process (e.g. Power of Attorney and Substitute Decision Maker).
• Plans and facilitates resident and family care conferences.
• Develops informational material for educational purposes and conducts workshops and educational sessions as needed.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Respects and upholds the Resident Bill of Rights and the Assisted Living Rights of Residents.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of a recognized Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Education, behaviour science or related programs.
• Registered in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers.
• Experience as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist is an asset.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is required.
• Demonstrates strong resident engagement, focusing on resident comfort and satisfaction.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Experienced in crisis intervention.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements