Social Worker, Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach

Detailed Overview

The Social Worker works as a part of a multidisciplinary outreach team to provide assessment, treatment, consultation and follow-up services to mentally ill elderly clients of special complexity and difficulty. Provides education and support to formal and informal caregivers of the mentally ill elderly clients, liaises with relevant community agencies in the planning and development of services for the elderly, and provides community education in matters related to the mentally ill elderly. Responsibilities Provides clinical social work services to elderly clients and their caregivers referred to the team by screening and assessing referrals, completing comprehensive psycho-social assessments, contributing advice and expertise on recommendations, consultations and treatment planning in conjunction with other team members. Carries out treatment plans and interventions, including monitoring the effects of psychotropic medication, encouraging medication compliance, and providing counseling and crisis intervention to clients and families through home visits and outreach. Provides consultation, support, and informal education to families and other informal caregivers of the clients. Provides referral services to medical, social, and psychiatric services as necessary, and stays knowledgeable of such resources. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary team and coordinates work with them in such areas as attendance at team meetings, conferences, etc. Develops care and treatment plans for shared clients in cooperation with care facility staff, physicians and Home Health Care, and provides consultation to them. Acts as an advocate on behalf of clients and their families. Maintains clinical and statistical documentation according to established policies and procedures. Provides consultation to referral agencies, care facilities, and care givers on improved care of the elderly with mental illness and represents the team on local committees and advisory boards as required. Participates in Mental Health and Addictions Services training and planning activities as required. Provides community and agency education on issues affecting the mentally ill elderly and on the role of the Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach team. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Master's of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of Social Work. Three year's recent related experience with Geriatric Psychiatry clients, or an equivalent combination of social work education, training and experience. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers. Valid Class V BC Driver's license and possession of a personal vehicle. Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with professionals, clients and caregivers. Demonstrated clinical skills in working with the mentally ill elderly. Ability to provide formal and informal education. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to network with other services and agencies. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work. Ability to operate related equipment. About Fraser Health Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region. People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 48,+ staff, medical staff and volunteers. We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner. Together, we are the heart of health care. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Indeed | Glassdoor IMPORTANT: Recruitment scam warning Please be on alert for recruitment scams. We are aware of several scams targeting individuals by falsely claiming to represent Fraser Health. Always take precautions when sharing personal details with unverified sources. Please note that we will never ask for money or payment, nor ask you to download or install an app at any point during our recruitment process.