Social Worker

Social Worker

Full time, Permanent and on site

 Do you thrive in community settings and want to make healthcare more accessible for Indigenous families?

Are you a Social Worker passionate about advocacy, outreach, and walking alongside clients with complex needs?

Ready to join a team where culture, care, and community come together to create real change?

If so, this opportunity is for you!

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic primary health care to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

As an Indigenous frontline worker with a post secondary degree in an Addictions and Mental Health fields (both is preferred), combined with an understanding of how to access treatment, mental health and social supports, you will want to consider this opportunity.

 Purpose of the position:
Under the direction of the Mental Wellness Director, the Social Worker will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community members to support them in navigating the healthcare system, accessing culturally safe care, and connecting with appropriate services. The Social Worker will ensure that the right community, professional, and cultural supports are in place to promote wellness and continuity of care. In this capacity, the position fulfills a variety of case management functions including but not limited to: completing client intakes, completion of forms for medical team,  providing advocacy and system navigation, ensuring coordinated referrals, participating in mobile outreach, and offering one-on-one support to individuals with complex health and social needs. 

 Responsibilities:

• Complete clinic intakes for new and existing clients both onsite and during mobile outreach visits.
• Respond to requests for information from clients, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Submit Requests for Client Information (RCIs) for client files being transferred to Wabano for clinic services.
• Ensure eligibility criteria for clinical programs and services are met and properly documented.
• Prepare forms (OW/ODSP, Para-Transportation, treatment medical section) for the NP’s or Doctors and review with them to be approved and signed.
• Participate in mobile outreach initiatives to set up and coordinate community-based clinic intakes and assessments.
• Provide one-on-one appointments with clients for case management, system navigation, and advocacy to support access to services and continuity of care.
• Support clients in navigating the healthcare and social service systems, especially those with complex or chronic conditions.
• Provide assistance to clients dealing with specialist referrals, including follow-ups, appointment coordination, and diagnostic testing.
• Support community mobile outreach efforts that focus on increasing access to care and resources for Indigenous individuals and families.

 Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in community health, social work, or outreach settings, preferably with Indigenous populations.
• Deep understanding of the social determinants of health and systemic barriers facing Indigenous communities.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-centered environment.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and in cross-sectoral settings (health, justice, child welfare, housing, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and community health approaches considered an asset.

Specifications: 

• First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given preference, please self-identify;
• Successful applicants would be required to submit a criminal reference check to work with the vulnerable population.
• Have a driver’s license and a clean driving record and comfortable to support the Mobile Outreach with occasional driving.

 Salary Range: $65,000 to 70,000 with benefits

 Why Work for Us:

• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Group health and dental insurance
• Defined benefit pension plan/employee pension plan with contribution by Wabano
• Employee assistance program
• Staff reported over 90% that they feel their work is meaning and they are having an impact in the work they are doing.

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Don’t think this is the right job for you? Let us try and find you the right fit within Wabano.