Social Worker Bachelors

KEY FUNCTION:
Advocate for and work with patients and families whose psychosocial functioning has been seriously compromised as a result of mental health and addiction challenges. Coordinate and faciliatate patients’ viable discharge from hospital through the identification of personal resources and community services to optimize their function and reduce the risk of psychosocial breakdown.

REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Acute Inpatient Psychiatry.

DUTIES:
1. Perform psychosocial assessments to identify problems/ barriers related to treatment, psychosocial functioning, and viable discharge from hospital.
2. Collaborate with the patient and caregivers to develop and implement a plan of care to minimize or eliminate identified risks and problems.
3. Screen, triage, and provide timely interventions for high risk referrals (e.g., abuse, neglect, trauma, homelessness, caregiver issues and identification of Next of Kin/ Substitute Decision Maker, etc.).
4. Formulate, coordinate, and execute timely discharge plans based on the combined assessment of all health care providers in collaboration with the patient and caregivers.
5. Chair and faciliate family/case conferences as required.
6. Activate referrals to a range of community agencies ( i.e. Income, Housing, Children’s Aid Society (CAS,) Mental Health, Office of the Public Guardian Trustee) to support the patient and family’s functional potential upon discharge.
7. Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds and weekly rounds, and complete identified action items.
8. Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and education to patients/caregivers around new diagnosis, trauma, bereavement, family discord, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies.
9. Provide regular verbal updates to the patient/caregivers and team regarding interventions to date and document as required.
10. Educate and mentor new staff and student placements.
11. Maintain relevant statistical information and documentation in accordance with professional standards.
12. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
13. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
14. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
15. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
16. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a four (4) year Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, from an accredited university.
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is required.
3. Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 steps training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum of one (1) year of experience working within a health care environment, preferably within Mental Health and Addiction services.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking.
2. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity to cultural diversity and promoting social justice.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve, set priorities, and manage conflict.
5. Demonstrated ability to case manage a diverse caseload on an active acute care unit.
6. Demonstrated knowledge and management of ethical issues related to clinical social work.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of the OCSWSSW’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
8. Demonstrated knowledge of government legislation, policies and programs affecting the patient population (Health Care Consent Act/Mental Health Act and Child Protection).
9. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
10. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
11. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
12. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
13. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
14. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
15. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Proven organizational skills and ability to priorize workload, with minimal supervision.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
4. Ablility to work independently is in a fast pace environment with complex cases.
5. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
6. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
7. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
8. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
9. Ability to travel between local sites.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.