By Alicia O'Hara
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 other places, where you can find us working in mental health and addictions, advocacy, child welfare, seniors’ services, policy creation and the list goes on!
My role at Horizon’s Albert County Community Health Centre is to assist with overall well-being. My goal is to help patients and clients develop a sense of safety, self-worth and mastery over their future. My focus is to empower people through building skills to achieve personal fulfilment, meaningful social roles and relationships in the community.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
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 other places, where you can find us working in mental health and addictions, advocacy, child welfare, seniors’ services, policy creation and the list goes on!
My role at Horizon’s Albert County Community Health Centre is to assist with overall well-being. My goal is to help patients and clients develop a sense of safety, self-worth and mastery over their future. My focus is to empower people through building skills to achieve personal fulfilment, meaningful social roles and relationships in the community.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
How do I access social work services at Horizon’s Albert County Community Health Centre?
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.
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 Centre?
No. You do not need to have a provider at the Health Centre to access social work services.
No. You do not need to have a provider at the Health Centre to access social work services.
What type of social work services can I expect?
Adjustment to illness or disability:
Adjusting to a new diagnosis can be difficult. I offer counselling to support you through feelings of loss and changes to your family due to illness. I can also link you to other community services such as home care, disability support programs, etc.
Coping through COVID-19:
The stress of living through a pandemic is something we have never experienced before. It is normal to feel anxious and afraid. It’s important to maintain social connection, self-care, and healthy coping habits, especially in times of uncertainty. I can help you refocus on your strengths, cope with anxiety, and establish the right self-care routine for you.
Palliative care:
I offer support while you make decisions about end-of-life care. I can 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. I can offer support by helping you recognize 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 counselling 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:
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.
Parenting:
I can provide positive parenting strategies and link you with services that support families. I can also provide counselling or consultation regarding the challenges you may be facing.
Adjusting to a new diagnosis can be difficult. I offer counselling to support you through feelings of loss and changes to your family due to illness. I can also link you to other community services such as home care, disability support programs, etc.
Coping through COVID-19:
The stress of living through a pandemic is something we have never experienced before. It is normal to feel anxious and afraid. It’s important to maintain social connection, self-care, and healthy coping habits, especially in times of uncertainty. I can help you refocus on your strengths, cope with anxiety, and establish the right self-care routine for you.
Palliative care:
I offer support while you make decisions about end-of-life care. I can 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. I can offer support by helping you recognize 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 counselling 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:
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.
Parenting:
I can provide positive parenting strategies and link you with services that support families. I can also provide counselling or consultation regarding the challenges you may be facing.
Alicia O’Hara is a registered social worker with Horizon. She graduated from St. Thomas University with a B.A. and Bachelor of Social Work. She worked for the Dept. of Social Development in various roles including child protection, adult protection and long-term care for seniors. In 2017, she worked part-time with Addiction and Mental Health in Sussex. In 2019, Alicia accepted a part-time position at the Albert County Community Health Centre. She is thrilled to be working in Albert County.
The Bennett and Albert County Health Care (BACH) Foundation raises funds to support the services provided by the Albert County Community Health Centre including equipment and staff education. www.bachfoundation.com
The Bennett and Albert County Health Care (BACH) Foundation raises funds to support the services provided by the Albert County Community Health Centre including equipment and staff education. www.bachfoundation.com
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