Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Within the context of a biopsychosocial framework, the Outreach Worker works under the general direction of the Manager, FPS Clinical Operations, as part of a multidisciplinary forensic psychiatric community mental health team to provide a defined range of community forensic mental health services to individuals who have come in conflict with the law and to clients who are referred to Forensic Psychiatric Regional Programs. The Outreach Worker carries out support services who are subject to a legal order for criminal offences (probation, bail, release orders, provincial parole, conditional sentence) and provides services to high-risk mentally disordered offenders. The Outreach Worker role focuses on supporting people who struggle with mental health and/or substance use challenges in the transition to the community using a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. The Outreach Worker will also assist forensic clients to navigate through various systems (court, health agencies, social assistance) and create linkages to other community resources.
This position arranges, plans, escorts and accompanies, as necessary through program clinical requirements, clients on appointments, errands and other activities. The Outreach Worker provides basic health-promoting information and facilitates life-skills development in collaboration with clients. The Outreach Worker will perform a variety of general clerical duties, attend meetings and participate in patient care planning and coordination, as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Monitors, screens and interviews clients to obtain information regarding their health condition and environment including safety screening, Opioid Use Disorder screening, safe supply screening, functional ability, living arrangement, and family support. Reports significant and unsafe behavioural, physical and cognitive changes, in accordance with standard procedures or specific directions, and reporting to Registered Nurse, Social Worker, or other members of the multidisciplinary team.
2. Arranges, plans, escorts and accompanies, as necessary through program clinical requirements, designated/marginalized individuals on medical appointments and errands, while providing emotional, moral support and assistance to further the enhancement or development of self-management skills.
3. Creates linkages to other community resources and programs, contacts relevant organizations/businesses/services, assists clients with processing forms. Supports and advocates for clients when identifying and accessing social services, such as income security, food, supplements, housing, social networks, while supporting the development of self-efficacy and self-care.
4. Acts as a liaison between various agencies by methods such as updating designated team staff on services currently available and liaises with community agencies to provide information on services. Provides Infectious Disease (e.g. HIV or HEPC) information to community groups and health care providers regarding the sensitivity needed when working with vulnerable populations.
5. Supports the provision of direct service components such as groups and education sessions with other program staff when necessary, including arranging meeting rooms and booking venues. In conjunction with other members of the clinical team, attends, records, transcribes and distributes notes or minutes of meetings as necessary.
6. Supports the development of health resource materials such as brochures, flyers, or web-based information.
7. Responds to general inquiries, refers callers to internal and external resources such as health teams, physicians, mental health and addictions services, and other community and government agencies.
8. Completes and maintains related records and reports such as checklists, applications, and statistics.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from a recognized Social Services Worker certificate program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid Class 5 vehicle license
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
** Please note: Support for nomination with the BC Provincial Nominee Program is not a guarantee, entitlement or an employee benefit after receiving a full time job offer with PHSA**