Health System Navigator (Eng/Fr bilingual)

Job Summary

Are you an experienced Social Worker, Nurse or other regulated health professional who has worked in Ontario's health & social care systems? If so, join VHA Health & Home Support as a Health System Navigator (HSN) responsible for supporting seniors and adults with disabilities who live with complex health & social challenges.

Hours of Work: 37.5/week, generally Monday-Friday, 0830-1630

Position Overview

Whether in the community or a hospital setting, the HSN uses a holistic approach to supporting patients/clients. Focusing on system navigation and connections to appropriate community supports and services, the goal is to improve wellbeing, health outcomes and ultimately enhancing each person's ability to continue to live safely at home.

The role requires direct service and support to clients in areas such as housing, daily living, linkages to primary care & practical assistance such as completing forms & applications. The HSN will meet with referred patients/clients in the hospital as well as in their homes.

The HSN works independently with clients as well as with an interdisciplinary team. The ability to build trusting relationships & understand each client's needs, while considering their preferences & priorities, is a key component of this position.

What Will You Do?

In collaboration with clients and their support system, the HSN:

• assess client needs
• develop, implement & monitor individual care plans, identifying priorities and goals
• initiates & participates in case conferences as needed
• coordinates & facilitates linkages to relevant community-based services & supports
• offers a continuum of flexible interventions to guide clients in achieving their goals
• assists with follow-up on referrals and/or tasks to support clients as needed
• provides information, education and advocacy to promote a person's independence
• develops & maintains relationships with community partners
• completes administrative tasks, including documentation, in accordance with established policies & procedures.

What will Give you the Performance Edge?

• excellent understanding of the impacts of the Social Determinants of Health (sdoh) on health status outcomes
• Proven knowledge of community-based health & social services resources within the Champlain region
• Strong understanding of Ontario's healthcare and social services systems
• excellent interpersonal communication, assessment and supportive counselling skills
• Able to problem solve and make decisions in a fast paced, high stress environment
• Proven experience working independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications - What You Must Have

1. Membership, in good standing, with a professional regulatory body
2. Minimum 3 years' experience in a community-based setting
3. Written & verbal fluency in both French & English
4. Valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle
5. Proof of up-to-date adult immunizations
6. Criminal Record Check for the vulnerable sector, dated within the last 12 months.

What Would Give you the Skills Edge?

1. training & experience in Motivational Interviewing techniques
2. ASIST and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
3. Experience with provincial IntrRAI assessment tools
4. Experience with GoldCare &/or Medi-Tech database.

What do We Offer?

An attractive comprehensive compensation package that includes:

• Paid time off
• Paid parking while onsite at the VHA office
• Extended Health Care benefits + Dental Care + EAP
• Matched RRSP; once eligible, participation in our multi-employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• An inclusive workplace that is respectful of work-life balance.

Who is VHA (Ottawa)?

VHA Health & Home Support is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that is committed to promoting personal well-being with cost-effective, high quality community-based health care services. Serving Ottawa since 1955, we are dedicated to our community, and determined to help people affected by health and social challenges enjoy the dignity and independence of living their active life.

VHA is ‘Accredited with Exemplary Standing’ by Accreditation Canada, and is a preferred provider of attendant/personal support services of Ontario Health East.

VHA works in partnership with local health and social service organizations to ensure our clients get the right service to help them remain independent, within their community.

VHA Ottawa is NOT related to VHA Home HealthCare in Toronto.