Staff Spotlight
A dedicated social worker's desire to help
Born in a small rural town in Nepal, Arjun Adhikari witnessed firsthand how health challenges, injustice, inequality, marginalization, and the lack of resources impacted people. Motivated by this experience, as well as his father who was involved in local groups and community organizations, Arjun pursued a career in social work.
Early in his career, Arjun worked with children and families affected by the civil war in Nepal. His work primarily focused on human rights, transitional justice, and rehabilitation in the community for people affected by armed conflict, aiming to promote empowerment, healing, and leadership. These close working relationships deepened his understanding on issues faced by vulnerable peoples, furthering his desire to help individuals facing similar difficulties.
Relocating to Canada
In 2012, Arjun moved to Saskatchewan, starting his journey in a non-profit organization for people with learning disabilities and an Autism Centre. He pursued a Master of Social Work at the University of Regina and worked in child welfare for nearly four years at the Ministry of Social Services, then a year with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. In 2022, Arjun and his family relocated to Vancouver, where he joined Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) as a Social Worker II at the Access and Assessment Centre (AAC).
Moving to a new country with a young family can be challenging, but Arjun is grateful to to his manager, Anna, and the VCH Talent Acquisition team for their support, which included financial relocation assistance and help securing housing.
The diversity in clients and health-care professionals alike
At AAC, Arjun assesses and consults with clients from diverse backgrounds, including at-risk populations. Over the past two years, he has worked with individuals living with disabilities, substance use challenges, mental health issues, and intergenerational trauma. Despite the challenges his clients face, Arjun has witnessed compassion, harmony, and resilience. “[Clients] come to our door with diverse social, economic and health challenges. I am privileged as they trust and share their sufferings as well as their strengths,” Arjun shares.
As an immigrant working with a multicultural community, Arjun has gained new perspectives on culture, identity, and belonging, enhancing his social work practice and sense of purpose. His favourite part of the job is collaborating with an interdisciplinary team including family physicians, psychiatric doctors and nurses, the Vancouver Police, and allied health professionals, to deliver quality patient care. “Our workplace is filled with diversity, which allows us to share expertise, energy and positivity. I feel fortunate to learn from their experiences and everyone’s opinion is welcomed,” he says.
Additionally, Arjun values the team-building activities, caring leadership, and healthy work-life balance that contribute to the supportive work environment at VCH. “Our leadership teams are approachable and empathetic, and have helped me overcome personal and professional obstacles,” he affirms. Off work, Arjun enjoys quality time with his family, hiking, cooking Nepali dishes, and staying connected with friends and family in Nepal.
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Explore our social worker opportunities at Vancouver Coastal Health.