Social Service Worker

Department: Social Work

Position Number: 50073778

Hours of Work: Full-Time Position; Day Shifts

Pay Band: $32.75 - $35.25

Union: OPSEU 4106 Non-Central

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION: (Expected assignment is with the Mental Health and Addictions Program - Child and Youth & Adult inpatient units)

Under the general direction of the Professional Practice Leader- Social Work and in collaboration with the Program Manager, the Social Service Worker is responsible for activities and interventions pertaining to patient access to resources and care. The Social Service Worker works collaboratively with the Social Worker II. Accountability is established through ongoing supervision and consultation, clinical recording, audit, and performance appraisals.

Within this role the employee is accountable for contributing to the delivery of the Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) strategy. As an employee, one must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for actively promoting and supporting patient and family centered engagement and care in all we do.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts socialsupports and resource needsassessments based on interviews with patient, family, and significant others.

• Identifies and organizes patient supports and linkages required in support of patient and family needs.

• Assumes responsibility for service coordination in support of timely discharge/access to care.

• Within professional scope of practice, provides interventions to patients and their families (i.e., resource counselling, system navigation).

• Develops, implements and evaluates a documented plan of care in collaboration with patient and family (where appropriate) that is consistent with patient goals.

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

• Provides resource and practical support education to patients, family, and staff as required.

• Serves as an advocate for patients and their families regarding access to care and resources.

• Serves as a liaison and resource to community agencies and services promoting continuity of care of patients and families from hospital to home/facility setting.

• Communicates and consults with other health care professionals and participates as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team regarding client social issues and/or community resources.

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

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

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

• Participates in research activity.

• Identifies gaps related to patient care needs and initiates appropriate action in consultation with the interprofessional team and leadership.

• Participates in Departmental meetings and activities.

• Interprets hospital policies to patients, families, and visitors.

• Participates in the hospital quality improvement program.

NOTE: The above duties are representative but are not to be construed as all inclusive.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College Diploma in Social Service Work.

• Membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OSWSSW).

• A minimum of two years health related experience preferred.

• Demonstrated assessment and system navigation skills.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and community resources as well as an understanding of discharge planning process required.

• Demonstrated ability to function independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Superior communication skills required, oral and written.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and vulnerable sector search required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent will be required to meet the physical demands as described for the area of work.

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.

KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace. 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.

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.