Vacancy Status: Please note that this posting is for an existing position
Job Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Permanent
Location: 1767 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L5
WellFort is seeking a Chiropodist to join our HHP program!
HOMELESS HEALTH PROGRAM (HHP)
The Homeless Health Program is a Nurse Practitioner-led initiative that provides essential healthcare services to individuals who are homeless, precariously housed, or transitioning out of homelessness in the Peel Region. We understand the unique challenges faced by those without stable housing, and our goal is to make healthcare accessible, integrated, and responsive.
Our dedicated team includes Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Personal Support Workers, all working together to ensure our patients receive the care they need, where and when they need it. We remove barriers to care for those facing housing instability and poor health.
The program manages 45 medical beds at the Dundas Street Shelter, providing 24/7 care, as well as daytime mobile primary care services at other shelters and drop-ins across the region.
By providing these services, we help hospitals make the best use of their emergency and acute care resources. Patients who no longer need to stay in the hospital but still require medical support can continue their recovery in a shelter bed with healthcare services. We also offer additional support for people in shelters who may need extra medical attention, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital visits.
This program ensures that structurally vulnerable populations in our community have access to the care they deserve, improving overall health and wellbeing.
The Opportunity
The Chiropodist is registered under the Provisions of the Chiropody Act in the Province of Ontario (Bill 43). Further, the Chiropodist will have post-graduate training and will be authorized by RHPS and Bill 45 to perform the following controlled acts:
- The cutting of subcutaneous tissues of the foot
- Administration by injection of a designated substance
- Prescribing topical and oral medications as designated (Jan 1999)
The Chiropodist is an independent practitioner working within a multi-disciplinary team. The main functions of the chiropodist are to provide direct care to clients to recognize and treat pathologies in the foot area which diminish the health, mobility, comfort and independence of clients. In addition, the chiropodist will provide health teaching, advocacy and health promotion services for clients, as well as consultation to nurses providing foot care services. S/he works in the centre and in outreach locations as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Care: The Chiropodist treats and manages the care of patients with foot disorders by:
- Taking, recording and utilizing a complete chiropody and relevant medical history, in an accurate manner
- Performing a physical examination of the lower extremities for diagnostic purposes
- Administering diagnostic aids and ordering laboratory tests to determine the existence or extent of an abnormality or pathology
- Recognizing and referring to appropriate staff those clients with conditions or needs that are beyond the scope of the chiropodist
- Designing and implementing a comprehensive and individualized management plan for all patients
- Prescribing, designing and making foot orthotics where indicated
- Ensures and maintains personal and environmental hygiene, performs instrument sterilization and the packaging of instrument kits
- Maintains clear, accurate and timely written documentation including client charts, requisitions, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, the MOH, or other professionals
Health Promotion and Education
- Identifies trends or issues related to the health of client’s feet and uses this information in planning and advocacy work
- Provides information and counseling to individuals and groups through discussion, workshops, provision of written materials, videos, etc.
- Acts as a resource to staff in the health Centre and in partner/community organizations on issues related to foot care
Advocacy and Outreach
- Advocates for and with clients to reduce barriers to accessing health care or other needed services
- Works with clients, especially marginalized groups, to ensure that they are treated with fairness and dignity
- Provides direct care and health promotion services in outreach locations. Acts as resource to staff in partner agencies
- Participates in the development and support of relevant public policies or programs
- Participates in other community projects or agency activities to provide education, information or to develop collaborative strategies
Administrative and Other
- Maintains clear, accurate and timely written and electronic documentation including EHR, reports, encounters and other information as required by the health centre, MOH, COCOO and other regulatory bodies
- Contributes to policy/protocol development, in relation to health care service delivery and/or professional practice
- Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of government guidelines, acts and legislation affecting client care
- Stays current on evidence-based strategies that improve health
- Shares responsibility for the ordering, maintenance and proper handling of medications, supplies and equipment. Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocols for ordering, tracking and paying for supplies
- Supervises, supports or provides education for students from various disciplines with a particular focus on the determinants of health, primary health care and role of chiropodist within the Community Health Centre (CHC)
- Assumes responsibility for the ordering and maintenance of supplies and equipment. Makes purchases within allocated budget lines and follows protocol for ordering, tracking, and paying for supplies
- Participate in chart reviews and case conferences
- Participates in research when opportunities arise
- Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time
QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Bachelor of Science in Chiropody from a recognized university
- Registered and in good standing with the College of Chiropody of Ontario
- Eligible for membership with the Canadian Chiropody Association
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in a health care setting with preferred experience in the community
- Demonstrated commitment to best practices, ongoing learning, and client centered care
- Experience working with communities and individuals who face barriers accessing traditional health care institutions due to poverty, discrimination, mental health and substance use issues
- An understanding of and critical analysis of the determinants of health and social factors, such as power dynamics that affect individual, organizational and community health
- Excellent written communication and oral skills that meet the needs of the individual and/or community at the appropriate literacy level
- Experience working with confidential and time sensitive documents and information
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working in a value based non-profit or social services organization
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team where skills and responsibilities are recognized and respected
- Demonstrated proficiency in use of computers and various computer software applications, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Ability to speak languages relevant to the residents of the organization’s community is an asset
This position offers excellent benefits and HOOPP.
APPLY
Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to participate in WellFort’s commitment to becoming an inclusive, barrier-free health centre and an ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. We encourage applications from individuals who can identify with the diverse communities we serve and invite these candidates to voluntarily share their relevant identities as part of their application.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, new WellFort staff must be fully compliant with our Vaccination Policy unless they have received an exemption from vaccination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Proof of vaccination status will be required before the first day of work or, proof of religious or medical exemption, if or where applicable.
As part of WellFort’s hiring process, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and evaluating applications. All final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team.
