Social Worker – Community Navigator – Crisis Services – Temporary Full Time

The Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is currently recruiting for a Social Worker for Crisis Services in the Outpatient Housing Navigator Program.  The successful candidate will review and coordinate social determinants of health for patients with mental health and addictions. This role encompasses preadmission to discharge through daily evaluation and planning with the interdisciplinary team. The social worker evaluates contributing factors for admission, barriers to discharge and facilitate community referrals as necessary.  The social worker will proactively engage with community partners in order to mitigate mental health and addictions patients from being designated ALC. Ultimately, the case reviewer works collaboratively with the inter-professional team to coordinate and improve access to treatments and diagnostics improving communication and coordination of discharge goals.

DUTIES:

1. Provide direct social work service and counseling to clients and/or their families as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Interview clients individually, in families or in groups to determine and evaluate the client’s social, financial, psychological, cultural and family situation and total needs to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
3. Convey findings of assessment and liaison with the health care team.
4. Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, housing, medical treatment and other interdependent services.
5. Serve as a member on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups.
6. Provide consultation to members of hospital staff, community agencies and other persons or groups seeking guidance in an effort to address the problems of the clients.
7. Participate in In-Service programs regarding the social and emotional components of health/illness and their effects on patients and families, as assigned.
8. Maintain accurate client records and statistical reports as required.
9. Provide ongoing patient/family education and support.
10. Provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counseling services, issues and methods.
11. Function as a professional role model demonstrating good interpersonal skills and a commitment to self-growth and development.
12. Develop and maintaining good working relationships with other hospital and medical staff and community partners while remaining a client advocate.
13. Housing navigation which may include attending client homes.
14. Maintain current knowledge of best practices and benchmarks for the delivery of services, appropriate research, literature, accreditation requirements, policy and legislative requirements and implementing improvements/changes as appropriate.
15. Comply with organizational policies, procedures and standards.
16. Maintain confidentiality of all information.
17. Provide coverage and assistance as required or assigned within organization
18. Assuming other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other relevant field.
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers or other governing body.
• Certification in Handling Patient Aggression Workshop or equivalent is an asset

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 1 year Social Work experience.
• Experience working with Mental Health and Addictions

SKILL:

• Excellence in problem solving techniques, conflict resolution skills, ability to work effectively on an interdisciplinary team and with the public.
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to synthesize information into clear, concise messages both for detailed analytical reports and executive summaries.

ABILITY:

• Ability to take a system wide and novel approach to opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain successful working relationships; ability to meet and deal with people in a pleasant, professional, responsible and reassuring manner, both in person and on the telephone; tact, courtesy and alertness in public contacts
• Ability to work under pressure and use good judgment in assessing difficult situations.
• Ability to work as a team member and deal effectively with management, staff and physicians.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills including the ability to relate well with others and adapt style as needed.
• Demonstrated behaviour consistent with the Hospital’s mission statement and ICCARE values

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may by assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time.