Social Worker

Overview

THE ORGANIZATION
Nlaka’pamux Health Service Society’s (NHSS) purpose is to create health and wellness for the Nlaka’pamux Nation. This is done through the management and administration of the holistic well-being of the Nation. NHSS delivers health services both directly and by using mobile, tele, and office health care protocols in a culturally appropriate way and as close to the clients as possible. NHSS is the voice of health for the nation to various stakeholders, including IHA and various levels of government, regarding health issues for the nation. We also continuously look to improve communications within the nation on health and wellness issues.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Wellness Outreach Manager, the Social Worker provides an initial point of contact for Nation members and their families to identify options and act as a guide to implement a plan for a client to attain and maintain the highest well-being possible.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, resourceful, and skilled in working within diverse and culturally sensitive environments. They bring a strong understanding of mental health and social support systems, combined with an ability to navigate complex healthcare, addiction, and justice services. The Social Worker collaborates with staff and community partners to fulfill all responsibilities respectfully and with cultural sensitivity. Confidentiality is key, and tact and discretion must be exercised in all interactions.

AS THE SOCIAL WORKER, YOU WILL:

Advocating & Navigating:
Health Care

• Connect clients, mainly adults and elders, to home care support through community resources, HHSS, or NHSS.
• Provide end-of-life support and care for clients and their families.
• Facilitate access to medical supplies and perform wellness checks as needed.

Addiction Support

• Assess client readiness for treatment and assist in accessing appropriate treatment programs.
• Conduct wellness checks and provide resources, such as addiction counselors, elders, and support groups.
• Identify and address barriers to recovery, connecting clients with traditional ceremonies and cultural supports.

Justice System

• Support clients in navigating court processes, conducting wellness checks, and connecting them to mandated supports.
• Assist clients in meeting court-mandated requirements, including access to counseling, treatment centers, cultural ceremonies, elder support, community connections, and support groups.

Child and Family Support

• Assist clients or parents in meeting support requirements as outlined by DAA/MCFD Social Workers and court orders
• Identify and address barriers, advocating and connecting clients with resources such as FNHA, community services, housing, and cultural support.

Leadership:

• Serve as a positive role model in promoting healthy lifestyles, adhering to best practices and the code of ethics of the professional association.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development to keep knowledge, methods, and practices current.
• Adhere to the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics, including:
  • Respecting the dignity and worth of all people.
  • Promoting social justice.
  • Pursuing truth and reconciliation.
  • Valuing human relationships.
  • Preserving integrity in professional practice.
  • Maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
  • Providing competent professional services.

Community Engagement:

• Advocate on behalf of clients when gaps in services or barriers to wellness are identified.
• Support clients in engaging with traditional practices from an Indigenous worldview.
• Research and network with community service providers to access resources and services for clients.
• Collaborate with communities to adhere to best practices and maintain high standards of service delivery.

Administration:

• Maintain accurate and complete client files, adhering to confidentiality and legal guidelines.
• Conduct intake assessments, consent forms, clinical assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and case studies.
• Manage client and stakeholder communications.
• Prepare and submit timely monthly and yearly reports to management.
• Attend meetings and community engagements, assist with multidisciplinary team coordination, and maintain an updated directory of resources and referrals.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited institution, CASW accreditation preferred.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional association (e.g., CASW).
• First Aid & CPR Level 1; preference for suicide intervention skills.
• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, and trauma-informed practice are assets.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of counseling and clinical practices for Indigenous individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Proven ability to conduct social work and psychosocial assessments.
• Experience with mental health issues, including addiction, trauma, concurrent disorders, grief/loss, suicide ideation, and family violence.
• Crisis counseling skills, brief therapeutic interventions, and grief counseling.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice within Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of health care and privacy legislation.
• Ability to educate and consult with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Effective communication, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux communities served.

ASSETS “THAT MAKE YOU GREAT”

• Familiarity with the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BC), the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the impacts of these on health, health care, and health care design for Indigenous people.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of Indigenous cultural principles and protocols in work situations.
• Ability to apply a two-eyed seeing approach to balance Western and Traditional Indigenous worldviews.
• Understanding and ability to practice with Nation based, community driven philosophy.
• Current knowledge in addressing historical and intergenerational trauma, including social determinates and inequities impacting an Indigenous population.
• Experience working with Indigenous clients in rural, remote, and on-reserve communities and understanding their inherent challenges and barriers preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time, typically, Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Merritt & Lytton Offices
• May be required to work some non-standard hours.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must obtain Criminal Record Check.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence with a current and clean driver’s abstract.
• Must be up to date with all required vaccinations.

TOTAL REWARDS

• Salary Range: $35-$46 per hour, based on skill set and experience.
• Comprehensive extended benefits, including dental and vision care.
• Wellness package.
• On-site parking.