Social Worker II - Indigenous Transition Patient Navigator

Being the first and only Indigenous pediatric healthcare program in North America, the Awasisak Indigenous Health Program strives to meet our patients' and families' unique and complex needs. This position is for a highly specialized Social Worker II with the ability to work with a variety of Indigenous chronic complex adolescents and young adults transitioning into adult care. You will work with a variety of medical teams throughout the Stollery and in the community to ensure the needs of Indigenous adolescents and young adults and their families are met as they grow their autonomy and pursue care across all resources in the adult system. The successful candidate will support the University of Alberta/AHS research team in the continued surveillance of children within the Wichitasowin - Indigenous Patient Navigator Study and present findings in a variety of venues across system services. You will collaborate with community members, all service partners within the Stollery and the ancillary services in community. You will have intimate knowledge of addictions and mental health supports as well as great skills in supporting marginalized you and at risk/high risk youth. You will have the ability to work independently with excellent communication skills and engagement strategies. Including knowledge of and supportive of mainstream health services and community resources, specifically Indigenous programs and services in the Central Zone (Edmonton area and Wetaskiwin/Maskwacis area). Regular weekly travel between Edmonton area and Wetaskawin/Maskwacis area is required.

As a Social Worker II, you will be a member of an inter-disciplinary team and provides a range of social work services to patients and their families. Your services may include: psychosocial assessment, resource-based interventions, individual, group and family treatment, risk screening, counselling, case management and coordination, transition or discharge planning, and prevention, promotion and public awareness activities.

Completion of bachelor's degree in Social Work. Active or eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

As a bona fide occupational requirement and under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered. A high degree of cultural competence and embedded experience as it relates to working with Indigenous people. At least 3 years of experience providing significant direct health care services to Indigenous families/communities or being someone who has lived at minimum 3 consecutive years as a participant member within an Indigenous community. A minimum of three years’ direct experience working with Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in hospital or community-based case management, health promotion, public health or Social Work setting. Knowledge of trauma informed care, and an understanding of the intergenerational trauma that impact Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. Fluency in an Indigenous language is an asset and knowledge of local Indigenous history and experience in local Indigenous culture. Comfortable working within an interdisciplinary team, accompanying youth +/- families to appointments, providing medical translation to youth. Experience working with adolescent youth and families. Up to date BLS.

Broad knowledge of Indigenous history within the healthcare system and the associated impacts on overall health outcomes. Knowledge of case management/system navigation models and principles. Knowledge of local community service organizations, programming and supports within Maskwacis, Alberta and the surrounding area (Wetaskiwin and Ponoka counties) an asset.