Social Worker (MSW)

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

Come work as a Social Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at the Primary Care Networks team in Powell River, BC. Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a team-based model of care and in collaboration with the Primary Care Provider (Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner) and other members of the PCN Interdisciplinary team, the Primary Care Social Worker assesses, plans, implements and evaluates social work care for patients/clients and caregiver(s). Develops and maintains partnerships with the Primary Care Provider in accordance with the local PCN care delivery model as co-designed by the PCN Partners (local Division of Family Practice, VCH Community of Care and First Nations Partners).

The Social Worker cares for patients/clients and caregiver(s), who are experiencing health and/or social challenges. Provides direct care activities such as bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessments, short term counselling and related behavioural health supports, establishing therapeutic relationships and coordinating individualized goal-oriented treatment. In collaboration with the patient/client, the Social Worker provides continuity of care by liaising with team members, coordinating ongoing care, supporting transitions and navigating services.

Practices in accordance with the established standards of professional practice as outlined by British Columbia College of Social Workers as well as within VCH vision and values, policies, standards, and decision support tools.

ABOUT PRIMARY CARE NETWORKS

Primary Care Networks (PCN) will be the backbone of the provincial Primary Health-Care Strategy. This new model of care is enabled and managed locally through a partnership between Health Authorities, Divisions of Family Practice and First Nations communities. PCNs include multi-disciplinary teams of nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals, working alongside and supporting family physicians, nurse practitioners at primary care offices, Primary Care Community Health Centres, Urgent and Primary Care centres, and services delivered by not-for-profit community health partners. PCNs are expected to provide patients and primary care providers with strong, effective links to hospitals and diagnostic service providers.

Team members involved in the patient’s care will work closely together, so that they can get a full picture of the health care needs. Under the new structure, patients will be able to more quickly and easily access a full range of health care options, have the ability to have a regular family physician or nurse practitioner and access to more health team members.

Adopting team based care approach in Primary Care Networks aims to increase patients' access to primary care services, strengthen the ability of existing physicians to expand - or remain in - their practice, and broaden the set of specific skills and expertise available to patients as they are receiving care. And it will ensure that the systems and tools required to make that care function are in place, and are well supported in the patient’s journey to better health.

About Powell River, Bc

On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, where endless green mountains meet sheltered Pacific Ocean waters, Powell River provides a stimulating blend of outdoor adventure and cultural amenities. Originally founded as a resource extraction centre - once home to the world's largest pulp and paper mill - Powell River now offers adventurers countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, golfing, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving. This area is host to world-class art galleries, tremendous dining opportunities, and memorable events and festivals.

On the doorstep of both Vancouver and Vancouver Island, the Powell River region offers an array of experiences for travelers of all kinds, no matter the season. Experience the legendary Sunshine Coast Trail and Powell Forest Canoe Route, rock-climb the Eldred Valley, snowshoe in the Knuckleheads; this is the adventure destination you've long been waiting for.

Education & Experience

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work, two (2) years recent, related clinical experience 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.
• Valid BC Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in patient/client care.
• Demonstrated ability in managing a variety of situations and responsibilities requiring initiative, creativity and professional judgment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of a patient/client and family centred recovery model in mental illness.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
• Demonstrated understanding of health care ethics and ability to incorporate ethical decision making in practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge to assess patient/clients at risk and knowledge of appropriate legislation acts; e.g. Health Care Consent Act, Mental
• Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Continuing Care Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as it relates to the rights and obligations of patients/patient/clients and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Trauma Informed Practice, Harm Reduction and Recovery Oriented care.
• 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.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ability to provide care planning, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and care coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize when referral to another health care professional is required
• Demonstrated ability to support seamless transition in care.
• 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 computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized patient/patient/client care information documentation system.
• 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.

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.