Psychosocial Program Specialist - (MAID)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Nursing Transformation & Engagement Lead team with clinical support from the Regional Director of Social Work, the MAID Psychosocial Program Specialist works in partnership with the Provincial MAID Clinical Services Team Shared Health and other WRHA Programs and sites, community agencies, to develop and mobilize resources, to support individuals and families accessing MAID services and subsequently dealing with grief and bereavement; promotes the development, maintenance, and dissemination of excellence in knowledge and skill in psychosocial aspects of MAID through education activities, research, and quality improvement initiatives; and provides leadership in the development and maintenance of effective and cohesive interdisciplinary teams with an emphasis on planned psychosocial emotional and spiritual support; provides direct clinical and consultation services.

Provides client services based on current literature and research findings, sound psychosocial theory, Canadian Association of Social Work Code of Ethics, Manitoba College of Social Workers Standards of Practice, relevant Federal and Provincial legislation, and remains current with health and social service resources.

Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in relevant fields such as: palliative care, or medical assistance in dying (MAID), hospice, mental health, chronic or degenerative diseases or geriatrics.


• Expertise and experience with interprofessional collaboration, psychosocial assessment, consultation, and team building.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) accredited school/faculty, or the approved equivalent if internationally educated.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Must be registered with the Manitoba College of Social Workers as a practicing member.


• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training requirements for this position shall be in accordance with the Employer policy.


• May be required to hold a valid Manitoba driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.


• Competent in advocacy, assessment, planning, capacity building and evaluation.


• Proven ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.


• Ability to contribute positively to patient/client/family psychosocial care in a complex, controversial and developing environment.


• Extensive knowledge of existing community resources and agencies providing relevant services to patient/clients/families involved with MAID in both rural and urban communities.


• Demonstrated working knowledge of Committeeship process.


• Demonstrated leadership within the MAID community or working knowledge of the MAID eligibility criteria, and legal and ethical considerations in MAID services.


• Demonstrated ability to promote participation, collaboration and partnerships.


• Demonstrated professional, community and public education skills.


• Ability to adapt readily to changing demands and situations.


• Familiar with philosophy and vision of the Provincial and WRHA MAID services.


• Ability to operate relevant computer and electronic accessories.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to work for long periods of time at a computer or telephone.


• May be required to travel for periods of time, including to rural communities.


• May be required to be on call, work shifts including but not limited to days, evening, and weekends.


• May be occasionally required to work extended hours.


• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated patient/client/family/visitors/staff.


• May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, toxic materials, noise, allergens, physical and emotional stress.