Social Work and Resource Navigation Service
Overview
Social Work and Resource Navigation Service
Our Social Work and Resource Navigation Service provides practical support to patients experiencing social, financial, or system-related challenges that affect their health and wellbeing.
The service often acts as a bridge to specialized community and government services. We help patients understand their options, identify appropriate programs, make connections, and plan their next steps. Support may also include advocacy, care coordination, and assistance navigating complex application or appeal processes.
Services are provided as part of the Family Health Team and work alongside your physician, nurse practitioner, and other healthcare providers.
Eligibility
Must be registered with Get Well Family Health Team
How to Access
Referral Required from GWFHT Physician/Nurse Practitioner
Provider
GWFH Interdisciplinary Team:
- Social Service Case Workers
Fees
Covered for Get Well Family Health Team patients
Services Included
Resource Navigation and Referrals
We help patients identify and connect with community, healthcare, and government services related to concerns such as:
- Housing and homelessness prevention
- Employment and training
- Income and disability benefits
- Food access and financial assistance
- Mental health and substance use
- Caregiving and seniors’ supports
- Newcomer and settlement services
- Legal, transportation, and other community needs
Our role is to connect patients with organizations that specialize in these areas. For example, we may refer a patient to a housing help agency or employment support program rather than searching for housing or employment on the patient’s behalf.
Application and Administrative Support
We can help patients understand application requirements, gather information, organize documents, and work through forms together during an appointment. For example, we may support a patient in completing an ODSP application, preparing information for their healthcare provider, or understanding the next steps if an application is denied. We do not independently complete or submit applications on a patient’s behalf, and we cannot guarantee approval.
Care Coordination
With the patient’s consent, we may communicate with healthcare providers, community organizations, caregivers, or other services involved in their care. This may include clarifying referral requirements, sharing relevant information, supporting transitions between services, or helping the patient coordinate next steps.
Information and Collaborative Problem-Solving
We provide clear information about available options and help patients develop realistic, manageable next steps based on their priorities and circumstances. Patients remain actively involved in the process. Our goal is to help them build connections with the services best equipped to provide ongoing or specialized assistance.
Are You Ready to Access Social Work and Resource Navigation Services?
Referral required: Ask a team doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to the Emotion Regulation Wellness Program