Social Worker 2 - Heads Up!

Department: Heads Up - Early Psychosis Intervention Program

Position Number: 50066175

Hours of Work: Temporary Full-Time Position (Approximately 12 Months); Day Shifts

Pay Band: $44.67 - $57.92

Union: OPSEU4106 Non-Central

Location: Brockville/Lennox, Leeds and Grenville & KingstonHotel Dieu Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

The Social Worker is a key member of the multidisciplinary team that provides case-management services, psychosocial support, relapse prevention, psychoeducation and assistance around functional recovery to clients experiencing the early symptoms of psychosis. Provides advocacy in a manner that is consistent with the KHSC (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); practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice and ethical values as defined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers; participates inservice 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’s initial assignment is with the Heads Up! Early Psychosis Intervention Program in the Brockville Satellite Office.

The Social Worker:

• Is accountable and responsible for the identification of knowledge and skills necessary to achieve competency within a given scope of practice.

• Is able to demonstrate competencies that are essential for the delivery of safe, ethical, and efficient care.

• Will provide best-practice treatment including m on knowledge –based and demonstrated performance in multiple treatment modalities for population-specific area.

• Fulfills, on a continuous basis, all of the requirements necessary for maintaining licensure with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides social work services according to the principles described in the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (2010) Social Worker II, Mental Health & Addiction Services

• Creating treatment plans with patients and their families, and maintaining patient records in accordance with privacy legislation while completing assessments, preparing reports, monitoring progress toward treatment goals and conducting regular reviews of active treatment plans.

• Evaluates, using comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, clients who are referred to the program and provides recommendations for treatment.

• Completes comprehensive mental health assessments in collaboration with the health care team; with specific training can administer diagnostic tools.

• 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.

• Documents and presents all related client information.

• Prepares recommendations, including instructions, for the client and family members.

• Provides social work services through education concerning mental illness and relapse prevention to clients and family members.

• Provides therapeutic interventions with individuals and families to address an immediate mental health crisis or long-term psychosocial needs that are based upon a range of evidence informed theoretical frameworks and therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to: ecological perspective, strengths-based practice, systems theory, anti-oppressive practice, brief solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, schema and narrative therapies.

• Expected to specialize in one or more therapeutic interventions, and have expertise in these modalities (e.g. solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and family therapy.)

• Recommends client referrals, where necessary.

• Performs skilled social work services in the context of an out-patient hospital-based mental health program.

• Prepares, delivers, and evaluates educational activities, as assigned.

• Facilitates the integration of evidence-based best practices into professional services.

• Participates in research.

• Assists in the operation of program evaluation activities.

• Assists in the planning and operation of activities for conferences.

• Performs related duties, as assigned.

LEADERSHIP APPROACH RESPONSIBILITIES

• Is accountable for decisions and actions when acting independently or when acting in consultation and collaboration with other members of the program team.

• Recognizes and responds effectively to unexpected situations.

• Uses resources effectively and efficiently.

• Maintains a safe working environment.

• Maintains effective working relationships with staff, students, and the public.

• Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program-specific policies and procedures. Social Worker II, Mental Health & Addiction Services

• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, problem identification, and problem resolution.

• Acts as a role model for the profession.

• Acts as an ambassador for the program.

PROFESSIONAL VALUES

• Promotes the mission and values of the Hotel Dieu Hospital site.

· Committed to the values of the profession of social work.

• Maintains and upholds the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice

• Supports the hospital system to address ethical issues within social work and the organization.

• Protects and promotes the rights of clients and families.

• Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness of the stigma frequently experienced by persons carrying a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

• Provides clients and families with access to valid information related to care.

• Maintains privacy, confidentiality, and the security of client, staff, and organizational data.

• Advocates for clients and families as the major decision-makers with respect to their care.

• Respects the well-being, beliefs, and wishes of others.

• Ensures informed and voluntary consent to care, treatment, and participation in research.

• Takes pride in efficient and effective completion of task assignments.

• Can be depended upon to do quality work whenever assigned a task.

• Follows through on work related commitments.

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Initiates and maintains community liaison with other community agencies, groups, and service stakeholders.

• Orients and instructs students within established guidelines.

• Provides consultation to other program staff and health care professionals.

• Initiates referrals to appropriate personnel based on knowledge of the scopes of practice of other health care team members.

• Contributes to an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

• Provides care to clients and family members, either independently or in collaboration with other members of the health care team. When conflict arises engages in constructive conflict resolution skills.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Seeks additional knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice setting by developing and/or participating in educational programs and activities, conferences, and workshops.

• Participates in peer review process as appropriate.

• Attends required educational experiences, as necessary.

• Networks with peers internally and externally to share ideas and conduct mutual problem solving.

• Committed to the education of health professionals and to the generation of new knowledge. Social Worker II, Mental Health & Addiction Services

• Identifies and meets own professional growth needs in accordance with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Continuing Competence Program.

• Advocates for social workers and the profession of social work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work from a social work program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work.

• Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

• BCLS Certificate

• Current certification in nonviolent crisis intervention.

• 3-5 years clinical work experience in a mental health setting working with a broad range of patient groups including youth and adults.

• Direct experience working within an Early Psychosis Intervention Program Preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders most prevalent with youth andadults; specific working knowledge of Psychosis an asset.

• Highly developed clinical skills in interviewing, psycho-social and risk assessment, treatment (individual, group andfamily therapy) crisis intervention and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with children, youth and their families

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health 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

• Training in CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and solution-focused brief therapy is preferred

• Knowledge of assessment and treatment for substance use, addiction and concurrent disorders is an asset

• Proficiency with current versions of Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.

• Proven effective interpersonal and communication skills

• Capable of coping in a physically and mentally demanding work environment

• Able to function independently as well as interdependently.

• Experience with facilitating learning experiences for individuals and groups.

• Experience practicing in an academic health science center.

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

• Advanced preparation involving the conduct and utilization of research.

• Must have own automobile, a valid driver’s license and be able to travel in the community on a regular basis.

• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the catchment area for Heads Up! Program (South Eastern Ontario: Brockville, Smith Falls, Kingston, Napanee, Belleville, Bancroft) to provide service to program clients and families.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.

• Effective organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to schedule time, prioritize, handle multiple activities, and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, support staff, students, and clients and their families.

• Demonstrated knowledge, skill, and ability in dealing effectively with clients with severe mental illness.

• Effective consultative and collaborative skills that are sensitive to the interpersonal needs of other team members.

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

• Satisfactory criminal reference 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.

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.

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.