About the role
Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.
At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.
Position Vacancy: Temporary Full-Time until December 2026
Position: Social Worker (MSW) - Emergency Dept
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday days with potential for some evenings and weekends
Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)
Position Summary
As a member of a multi-disciplinary Collaborative Practice Team, the Social Worker provides assessment, treatment, support, and service coordination to patients and their families throughout their hospital stay and assists with transition back to the community.
the successful candidate will participate in program planning/development; professional and hospital initiatives supporting quality management and research; mentoring of colleagues and students; and assist with coverage across other clinical areas as required. This position currently supports social work practice and discharge planning in the Emergency Department, but can be re-assigned based on organizational needs. Contributes to ensuring there is a safe environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.
Position Requirements
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program. Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical social work experience in an acute care hospital setting; experience in emergency, mental health, medicine, or community-based care preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of hospital and community-based health and social service systems, including relevant referral pathways (e.g., Home and Community Care Support Services, community agencies, housing, mental health and addictions supports). Ability to coordinate care and facilitate transitions between hospital, community, and outpatient services to support safe and timely discharge planning. Awareness and application of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care approaches across diverse populations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external community partners. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Ontario legislation guiding clinical practice, including the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA), Substitute Decisions Act (SDA), and Mental Health Act, as applicable to acute care settings. Demonstrated ability to assess, prioritize, and respond effectively to competing demands in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment. Strong knowledge and experience with discharge planning, risk assessment, and crisis intervention. Ability to function both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Demonstrated clinical judgment and critical thinking in complex decision-making, including capacity, consent, risk, and ethical considerations. Commitment to continuous learning, quality improvement, and evidence-informed practice; participation in peer support, education, or mentorship is an asset. Flexibility to provide cross-coverage across programs and clinical areas as required.
Application Instructions
Where applicable, as per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.
WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.
Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
International Applicants
If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.
Not the right fit? Search for MSW jobs in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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About the role
Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.
At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.
Position Vacancy: Temporary Full-Time until December 2026
Position: Social Worker (MSW) - Emergency Dept
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday days with potential for some evenings and weekends
Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)
Position Summary
As a member of a multi-disciplinary Collaborative Practice Team, the Social Worker provides assessment, treatment, support, and service coordination to patients and their families throughout their hospital stay and assists with transition back to the community.
the successful candidate will participate in program planning/development; professional and hospital initiatives supporting quality management and research; mentoring of colleagues and students; and assist with coverage across other clinical areas as required. This position currently supports social work practice and discharge planning in the Emergency Department, but can be re-assigned based on organizational needs. Contributes to ensuring there is a safe environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.
Position Requirements
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program. Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical social work experience in an acute care hospital setting; experience in emergency, mental health, medicine, or community-based care preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of hospital and community-based health and social service systems, including relevant referral pathways (e.g., Home and Community Care Support Services, community agencies, housing, mental health and addictions supports). Ability to coordinate care and facilitate transitions between hospital, community, and outpatient services to support safe and timely discharge planning. Awareness and application of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care approaches across diverse populations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external community partners. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Ontario legislation guiding clinical practice, including the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA), Substitute Decisions Act (SDA), and Mental Health Act, as applicable to acute care settings. Demonstrated ability to assess, prioritize, and respond effectively to competing demands in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment. Strong knowledge and experience with discharge planning, risk assessment, and crisis intervention. Ability to function both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Demonstrated clinical judgment and critical thinking in complex decision-making, including capacity, consent, risk, and ethical considerations. Commitment to continuous learning, quality improvement, and evidence-informed practice; participation in peer support, education, or mentorship is an asset. Flexibility to provide cross-coverage across programs and clinical areas as required.
Application Instructions
Where applicable, as per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.
WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.
Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
International Applicants
If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.
Not the right fit? Search for MSW jobs in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada