Social Worker - Program to Access Treatment for HIV and Support (PATHS)

at  Prairie Mountain Health

QUALIFICATIONS

• Eligible for and maintains licensure to practice as a Social Worker in the province of Manitoba
• Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (MICST) (or obtained within one year of employment)
• BC-CFE Working Together-Interprofessional Care in HIV (online) Training (or obtained within three (3) months of employment) or willingness to obtain
• Two (2) years of related health care experience in the last five (5) years
• Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, or equivalent from province of residence, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
• Excellent knowledge of pertinent community resources, supports and services
• Familiarity with an evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement environment
• Broad knowledge of mental health, substance use, and relevant treatment options
• Broad knowledge of harm reduction strategies and interventions in the context of infectious disease
• Ability to provide standard Social Work service including assessments and consultation, case management, psychosocial counseling, crisis intervention, referral and discharge planning when applicable
• Ability to work with clients or families utilizing a strength-based client focused approach to care and service delivery
• Ability to assist clients, families and colleagues in respecting and resolving ethical concerns associated with health care practices and illness
• Ability to promote health and provide health education
• Knowledge of the impact of acute or chronic health issues and adverse childhood events can have on clients or families
• Knowledge of cultural safety and experience working with Indigenous individuals or communities
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures in a changing environment
• Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
• Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
• Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
• Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
• Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manitoba HIV Program’s “Program to Access Treatment for HIV and Support (PATHS)” is an interdisciplinary outreach-based service model of care that provides intensive case management for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Manitoba who are not linked, or precariously linked to HIV care. The goals of the clinical outreach team are to:

• Provide wrap-around care with psychosocial supports to PLHIV,
• Offer and link to culturally relevant and Indigenous led care,
• Support PLHIV to access and adhere to HIV treatment medication, and
• Support PLHIV to transition to long term primary care services.

Reporting to the manager, Health Services, 7th Street Health Access Centre, the PATHS Social Worker works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide outreach social work services to vulnerable and marginalized clients diagnosed with HIV.

Overview:

• Provides social work services as part of intensive case management to PLHIV who are not linked to care or precariously linked to care. Service is provided in non-traditional settings which may include community spaces and drop-ins, shelters, encampments, community agencies, residences, correctional settings, withdrawal management centers, primary care clinics, hotels, parks and streets.
• Provides client care in a competent, safe and understanding manner that encourages client participation, empowerment and respect.
• Completes comprehensive assessments at intake, ongoing assessment of needs through implementation and evaluation of care plans.
• Provides case management to meet the psychosocial needs of PATHS clients.
• Liaises with community-based organizations to plan, develop, implement, and deliver care while identifying the health issues, behaviors, needs, barriers, and challenges for PATHS clients. Works collaboratively in team settings to develop creative strategies to address the challenges and barriers identified.
• Liaises with Public Health, First Nations Inuit Health Branch, primary care providers, Manitoba HIV Program sites of care and other community services and social agencies to link and retain PLHIV in care.
• Monitors, assesses, and responds to client responses to care, their mental state, and efficacy of the care plan.
• Assesses high-risk situations and provides crisis interventions, utilizing de-escalation skills to manage aggressive and suicidal behavior.
• Initiates and participates in case conferences/meetings with clients, family, service providers, and members of the interdisciplinary team for management of emergent issues and discussion of ongoing follow up care to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
• Advocate to protect and promote client’s right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity and access to information.
• Supports PATHS clients to access and attend medical appointments, hospitals, transportation, housing services and social programs by providing health care information and facilitating referrals.
• Prepares and maintains documentation standards according to workplace policy and procedure.
• Participates in relevant meetings to facilitate and support enhanced access to services for PATHS clients.
• Maintains and updates knowledge in HIV, mental health, and substance use by reviewing relevant literature, consulting with colleagues, evaluating clinical practice and participating in professional development and continuing education.
• Identifies gaps in existing services and participates in ongoing program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB INFORMATIONs
Close Date:
Aug 27, 2024 4:00 PM