Chiropodist

WellFort is seeking two Chiropodists to join our team!

WellFort Community Health Services is an innovative community health centre that is embarking on a transformational change to support the population through integrated care services across interprofessional primary care models.  We are hiring multiple roles that focus on a number of patient populations across all age spans including within a new neighbourhood primary care network of 7 primary care practices, homeless shelters and community locations serving people experiencing homelessness and our hub locations in Malton and Bramalea.  Multiple roles (contract and permanent) and multiple FTE’s are being recruited for.  Work in all roles could be across any program among multiple sites within the Central West Ontario Health Team geography.  If interested, please identify your FTE availability within your application.  Please attach a cover letter and resume outlining your passion and areas of expertise.

The Chiropodist is registered under the Provisions of the Chiropody Act in the Province of Ontario (Bill 43).  Further, the Chiropodist will have post-graduate training and will be authorized by RHPS and Bill 45 to perform the following controlled acts:

• The cutting of subcutaneous tissues of the foot
• Administration by injection of a designated substance
• Prescribing topical and oral medications as designated (Jan 1999)

The Chiropodist is an independent practitioner working within a multi-disciplinary team. The main functions of the chiropodist are to provide direct care to clients to recognize and treat pathologies in the foot area which diminish the health, mobility, comfort and independence of clients.  In addition, the chiropodist will provide health teaching, advocacy and health promotion services for clients, as well as consultation to nurses providing foot care services. S/he works in the centre and in outreach locations as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Care: The Chiropodist treats and manages the care of patients with foot disorders by:

• Taking, recording and utilizing a complete chiropody and relevant medical history, in an accurate manner
• Performing a physical examination of the lower extremities for diagnostic purposes
• Administering diagnostic aids and ordering laboratory tests to determine the existence or extent of an abnormality or pathology
• Recognizing and referring to appropriate staff those clients with conditions or needs that are beyond the scope of the chiropodist
• Designing and implementing a comprehensive and individualized management plan for all patients
• Prescribing, designing and making foot orthotics where indicated
• Ensures and maintains personal and environmental hygiene, performs instrument sterilization and the packaging of instrument kits
• Maintains clear, accurate and timely written documentation including client charts, requisitions, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, the MOH, or other professionals

Health Promotion and Education

• Identifies trends or issues related to the health of client’s feet and uses this information in planning and advocacy work
• Provides information and counseling to individuals and groups through discussion, workshops, provision of written materials, videos, etc.
• Acts as a resource to staff in the health Centre and in partner/community organizations on issues related to foot care

Advocacy and Outreach

• Advocates for and with clients to reduce barriers to accessing health care or other needed services
• Works with clients, especially marginalized groups, to ensure that they are treated with fairness and dignity
• Provides direct care and health promotion services in outreach locations. Acts as resource to staff in partner agencies
• Participates in the development and support of relevant public policies or programs
• Participates in other community projects or agency activities to provide education, information or to develop collaborative strategies

Administrative and Other

• Maintains clear, accurate and timely written and electronic documentation including EHR, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, MOH, COCOO and other regulatory bodies
• Contributes to policy/protocol development, in relation to health care service delivery and/or professional practice
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of government guidelines, acts and legislation affecting client care
• Stays current on evidence-based strategies that improve health
• Shares responsibility for the ordering, maintenance and proper handling of medications, supplies and equipment.  Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocols for ordering, tracking and paying for supplies
• Supervises, supports or provides education for students from various disciplines with a particular focus on the determinants of health, primary health care and role of chiropodist within the Community Health Centre (CHC)
• Assumes responsibility for the ordering and maintenance of supplies and equipment. Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocol for ordering, tracking, and paying for supplies
• Participate in chart reviews and case conferences
• Participates in research when opportunities arise
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Bachelor of Science in Chiropody from a recognized university
• Registered and in good standing with the College of Chiropody of Ontario
• Eligible for membership with the Canadian Chiropody Association
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in a health care setting with preferred experience in the community
• Demonstrated commitment to best practices, ongoing learning, and client centered care
• Experience working with communities and individuals who face barriers accessing traditional health care institutions due to poverty, discrimination, mental health and substance use issues
• An understanding of and critical analysis of the determinants of health and social factors, such as power dynamics that affect individual, organizational and community health
• Excellent written communication and oral skills that meet the needs of the individual and/or community at the appropriate literacy level
• Experience working with confidential and time sensitive documents and information
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working in a value based non-profit or social services organization
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team where skills and responsibilities are recognized and respectedTop of Form
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of computers and various computer software applications, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Ability to speak languages relevant to the residents of the organization’s community is an asset

Apply Now and Empower your Career

Candidates who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including people with lived/living experience of drug use and/or houselessness, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We invite these candidates to indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters.

Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to participate in WellFort’s commitment to becoming an inclusive, barrier-free health centre and an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

For more information visit www.WellFort.ca

Compensation package includes health and dental benefits and HOOPP pension benefits. (based on employment status)

Interested applicants:

Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@wellfort.ca and include “Job ID: 25010 & 25030 " in the subject line

No phone calls please. Successful candidates will be contacted.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:

As a condition of employment, new WellFort staff must be fully vaccinated unless they have received an exemption from vaccination under the Human Rights Code. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status will be required before the first day of work or, proof of religious or medical exemption, if or where applicable.

Fully vaccinated is defined as having received the completed series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, as recommended by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and having received the final dose at least 14 days before your employment start date.

The candidate will be asked to provide WellFort with proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. Acceptable proof is a Ministry of Health Dose Administration Receipt (or such other proof of vaccination that the Province of Ontario sanctions). This can be obtained through the Provincial portal https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/.

The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to the Ontario Human Rights Code. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Code, a request for accommodation can be requested and written proof satisfactory to the organization will be required.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person