by Alicia O'Hara
What exactly does a Community Social Worker do?
I like to think of social workers as jacks-of-all-trades. There are so many different places you can bump into us. We are in hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, non-profit organizations and government offices. You'll find us providing services for mental health and addictions, advocacy, child welfare, seniors' services, policy creation and the list goes on!
As a Social Worker at the Albert County Community Health Center, my role is to help you develop a plan to address your needs that honors your personal expertise and values, and focuses on your strengths. There are many different situations in which you might want to meet with a social worker. See below for examples of some (but not all) of the situations in which you might find yourself reaching out for services.
What exactly does a Community Social Worker do?
I like to think of social workers as jacks-of-all-trades. There are so many different places you can bump into us. We are in hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, non-profit organizations and government offices. You'll find us providing services for mental health and addictions, advocacy, child welfare, seniors' services, policy creation and the list goes on!
As a Social Worker at the Albert County Community Health Center, my role is to help you develop a plan to address your needs that honors your personal expertise and values, and focuses on your strengths. There are many different situations in which you might want to meet with a social worker. See below for examples of some (but not all) of the situations in which you might find yourself reaching out for services.
What type of social work services can I expect?
Adjustment to illness or disability:
Adjusting to a new diagnosis can be difficult. I can provide support during this adjustment phase or help you navigate the health and social systems by linking you to other community services such as home care, disability support programs, CPP Disability, etc.
Palliative care:
I also provide support while you make decisions about end-of-life care, facilitate discussions about last wishes, funeral arrangements, and finding legal counsel regarding wills and powers of attorney.
Caregiver burnout:
As a caregiver, you may experience grief, increased responsibility and changes in your role in the home and in other relationships. We can work together to identify your strengths and plan for self-care to prevent burnout. I can also provide information about coping strategies and links to appropriate community partners.
Mental health and addictions:
I can provide short-term counseling for mental health and addiction concerns, such as anxiety, depression, anger management, setting healthy boundaries, self-esteem, stress management, grief, as well as support in reducing alcohol or drug use. I can also help connect you with other services when appropriate.
Domestic violence and abuse:
I can assist you with information about safety planning, options and supports available in the community. I can help you navigate systems for legal, housing and financial issues, if needed.
Social isolation:
When living in rural areas, it's especially important to maintain social connection. I can help you explore ways to strengthen your current support system and address barriers you face in terms of community involvement, such as lack of transportation, limited mobility, health issues, financial struggles, etc.
Resource issues:
I can connect you to services that could help your current situation. These may include government services, community groups or non-profit organizations. I can make referrals to these agencies or help you with applications/ paperwork. Coordinating and navigating: You may have multiple services being provided through your family doctor, specialists, extra mural, home care, etc. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming. I am happy to assist you in navigating the health care system, coordinating communication between your health care team and any other services you have in place, organizing family meetings/case conferences, etc.
These are just a few of the many instances in which meeting with a social worker can be helpful. If the type of support you require isn't listed here, no worries! Just call the Albert County Community Health Center to book an appointment for Social Work Services to discuss.
How to access Social Work Services at the Albert County Community Health Center You don't need a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner; you can book an appointment by calling the Health Centre at 506-882-3100.
Do I Have to be a Patient of Horizon's Albert County Community Health Center?
No. You do not need to have a provider at the Health Centre to access social work services.
Adjustment to illness or disability:
Adjusting to a new diagnosis can be difficult. I can provide support during this adjustment phase or help you navigate the health and social systems by linking you to other community services such as home care, disability support programs, CPP Disability, etc.
Palliative care:
I also provide support while you make decisions about end-of-life care, facilitate discussions about last wishes, funeral arrangements, and finding legal counsel regarding wills and powers of attorney.
Caregiver burnout:
As a caregiver, you may experience grief, increased responsibility and changes in your role in the home and in other relationships. We can work together to identify your strengths and plan for self-care to prevent burnout. I can also provide information about coping strategies and links to appropriate community partners.
Mental health and addictions:
I can provide short-term counseling for mental health and addiction concerns, such as anxiety, depression, anger management, setting healthy boundaries, self-esteem, stress management, grief, as well as support in reducing alcohol or drug use. I can also help connect you with other services when appropriate.
Domestic violence and abuse:
I can assist you with information about safety planning, options and supports available in the community. I can help you navigate systems for legal, housing and financial issues, if needed.
Social isolation:
When living in rural areas, it's especially important to maintain social connection. I can help you explore ways to strengthen your current support system and address barriers you face in terms of community involvement, such as lack of transportation, limited mobility, health issues, financial struggles, etc.
Resource issues:
I can connect you to services that could help your current situation. These may include government services, community groups or non-profit organizations. I can make referrals to these agencies or help you with applications/ paperwork. Coordinating and navigating: You may have multiple services being provided through your family doctor, specialists, extra mural, home care, etc. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming. I am happy to assist you in navigating the health care system, coordinating communication between your health care team and any other services you have in place, organizing family meetings/case conferences, etc.
These are just a few of the many instances in which meeting with a social worker can be helpful. If the type of support you require isn't listed here, no worries! Just call the Albert County Community Health Center to book an appointment for Social Work Services to discuss.
How to access Social Work Services at the Albert County Community Health Center You don't need a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner; you can book an appointment by calling the Health Centre at 506-882-3100.
Do I Have to be a Patient of Horizon's Albert County Community Health Center?
No. You do not need to have a provider at the Health Centre to access social work services.
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