Mental Health Navigator (Permanent, Full-Time)
The Mental Health Navigator manages all mental health referrals that come to the Edmonton O-day’min Primary Care Network. They have responsibility for the coordination of patient services, and then the referral of patients to external supports or health care providers. This position works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, kinesiologists, mental health coordinators and psychologists to provide supports to patients.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
- Interview patients, their families and other concerned parties to obtain information about personal, social and environmental history.
- Participate in early detection of emerging patient emotional and behavioral disorders.
- Facilitate as part of a team, group classes to patients when personal, social or environmental difficulties exist which predispose illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.
- Connect patients to programs and services including appointment scheduling, reminders, completion of required referral documentation and post-appointment follow-up.
- Advocate for patients to meet patient and family needs such as food, housing, transport and financial support.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences and provide consultation and education to support other health care service providers.
- Provide communication to family physician of patient status/progress through documentation of relevant clinical information, referral correspondence, patient interaction and patient care plans in a timely manner on patient files.
- Develop positive working relationships/partnerships with other disciplines, agencies and health care professionals in order to promote coordinated service, quality care and access to appropriate resources for clients.
- Maintain a high level of current knowledge and trends in the relevant discipline specific skills and practices.
- Collect and maintain data for individual client and program evaluation.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of clinical social work treatment methodologies with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approaches
- Ability to deal effectively with patients with mental health concerns who are experiencing crises
- Understands and follows applicable legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act, Child Welfare Act, Health Information Act).
- Working knowledge of local and provincial mental health resources
- Proficient knowledge of PCs and PC based programs and applications
- Ability to communicate effectively orally, electronically or in writing
- Ability to work in a busy medical office environment with minimal support
- Good organizational and multi-tasking skills
- Maintain absolute confidentiality of patient records
Licenses/Certifications/Other:
Please note that all candidates for the above position must have:
- Active registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers
- A Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check
- Must have a Diploma of Social Work with 1 year of medical or clinical experience preferred