Title: Social Worker 2- Mental Health & Addiction Services

Department: Adult Mental Health Outpatient

Hours of Work: Full Time Temporary (Approximately 12 months)

Day Shifts: 07:30-03:30, 08:00-04:00, 08:30-04:30, 09:00-05:00

Pay Band: $44.67-$57.92

Union: OPSEU4106-Non-Central

Location: Hotel Dieu Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

The Adult Mental Health Program’s Social Worker is a key member of the multidisciplinary team who provides assessment, consultation and treatment modalities that may include group therapy, individual therapy, community outreach and advocacy) in a manner consistent with KHSC’s (HDH Site) Mission, Vision and Values and that reflects the core values of Patient and Family Centred Care (dignity, respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration); the Social Worker will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and ethical values as defined by their respective College; participates in service and hospital-wide activities and programs that model and promote a safe and healthy patient-centered environment and that contribute to quality improvement and risk management initiatives. Develops and coordinates the discharge plan in conjunction with the treatment team including connection/referral to appropriate internal and/or community resources; this position is primarily assigned to HDH-Mental Health and Addiction Services, with service provided to the Adult Mental Health Program.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate appropriate time-limited individual and group psychotherapeutic interventions, providing evidence-based therapies such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

• Collaboratively develop psychotherapeutic treatment goals; create treatment plans with patients and their families; maintain patient records while completing assessments, prepare reports, monitor progress toward treatment goals and conduct regular reviews of active treatment plans.

• Provides individual and group therapy sessions to patients and their families, instruct other mental health staff in therapeutic techniques, provide crisis interventions, and arranges for alternative community services when needed.

• Performs skilled social work services in the context of an out-patient hospital-based mental health program and facilitates the integration of evidence-based best practices into professional services.

• Provide education sessions to patients, as well as to public audiences and external groups as needed.

• Participate in intake, referral assessment as well as interdisciplinary team meetings and rounds.

• Complete detailed and comprehensive documentation in accordance with outpatient services policy and procedures, and professional/College requirements.

• Serves as resource and social work consultant to patients, families, colleagues and health care professionals for enhancement of patient care.

• Liaise with referral sources, aftercare agencies and providers to promote effective discharge planning and recommend aftercare services.

• Serves as an advocate for patients and their families.

• Communicates and consults with other health care professionals and participates as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team regarding client psychosocial issues and/or discharge plans.

• Participates in the orientation of new personnel and facilitates educational opportunities for health care colleagues.

• Participates in the social work student program in the role of field instructor. Directs, supervises and evaluates activities and care provided by students.

• Maintains competence and currency in social work and health care issues through in-service and continuing education.

• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Promote a work environment that is in accordance with KHSC Policies.

• Interprets hospital policies to patients, families and visitors.

• Participate in hospital and program committees and task groups, as assigned.

• Participates in the hospital and social work quality improvement program.

• Performs related duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters Degree in Social Work required.

• Eligible for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OSWSSW).

• A minimum of three years’ experience providing direct clinical services within a mental health interdisciplinary service.

• Highly developed clinical skills in interviewing, psychosocial and risk assessment, treatment (individual, and group therapy) crisis intervention, and delivering evidence‑based therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and other empirically supported modalities with patients and families.

• Demonstrated knowledge and clinical skill in providing effective services to individuals living with severe mental illness.

• Significant clinical experience in non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation.

• Demonstrated knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders most prevalent with adults.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act, Child & Family Services Act, Health Care Consent Act, Powers of Attorney Act, Substitute Decisions Act, Personal Health Information Act and other relevant legislation.

• Extensive knowledge of evidence-based practice and current experience in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and concurrent disorders.

• Knowledge community resources as well as an understanding of the discharge planning process required.

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, allied health and nursing professionals and external agency representatives.

• Highly developed communication, presentational & documentation as well as strong mentoring & coaching skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, planning & evaluation skills.

• Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution and ability to offer and receive constructive feedback.

• Advanced preparation involving social work assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

• Capable of coping in a physically & mentally demanding work environment.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

• Teaching experience within academic and/or clinical settings preferred.

• Knowledge or training in Motivational Interviewing, Personality Disorders, Addictions and Family Therapy assets.

• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must meet the physical demands of the position.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices.

If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.