Social Worker (MSW) - Access and Assessment Centre

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $44.85/Hr. - CAD $56.02/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as a Social Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

In accordance with the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) vision and values, the Social Worker works to address client and family centred care needs as a member of an integrated health service team and delivery model. The Social Worker practices in accordance with the British Columbia College of Social Workers and within VCH policies, guidelines, and clinical practice documents. The Social Worker works from a harm reduction, culturally safe, trauma informed, recovery oriented, and client-centred model of care. Conducts comprehensive social and psycho-social assessments. Collaborates with the client and interdisciplinary team to facilitate transitions through the continuum of services for clients with complex discharge and/or intake/referral needs across multiple sites, clinics, services, This includes: clients, family members, primary care/mental health/ substance use service providers, private General Practitioner (GP) partners, community care partners and services.

The Social Worker provides consultative and direct services to clients, families, staff and community health professionals regarding issues such as adult guardianship, advanced directives, domestic violence, abuse and/or neglect, immigration, housing, financial concerns, or matters concerning government agencies (public trustee) and authorities (courts, police). Prepares and maintains client records in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures. 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 establishes, maintains and enhances therapeutic relationships based on respect.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
• Master’s Degree of Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
• Two (2) years experience working in a health care setting providing assessment and treatment services to individuals with complex mental health, substance use and chronic medical concerns or equivalent.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.
• Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.
• Knowledge and experience in providing culturally safe and competent care, specifically pertaining to Indigenous peoples.
• Demonstrated ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, other groups and community agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to assess clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate acts; e.g. Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship, Public Health Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
• Broad knowledge of mental illness, substance use and addictions treatment.
• Broad knowledge of systems thinking as it related to social work process.
• Broad knowledge of other health disciplines and their role in healthcare.
• Broad knowledge of research methodology, counselling skills and clinical practice models.
• Broad knowledge of family, group and change therapy.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and use critical thinking skills.
• Broad knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to the client.
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems theory to practice in Social Work assessment and intervention.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and influence group and inter-group processes, decision making and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and families.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events and deal effectively with conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated understanding of health care ethics and ability to incorporate ethical decision making in practice.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and caregivers in order to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concerns.Broad understanding of harm reduction and trauma-informed care.
• Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Skilled in the use of equipment, and in the techniques appropriate for treatment.

Closing Statement

• 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.As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process. WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH? VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff 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. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. * Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply. *Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.