Social Worker (MSW)- Renal- Hemodialysis- Temporary Full Time

Sault Area Hospital is currently recruiting for a full-time Social Worker to join their team in the Algoma District Renal Program. The successful candidate will provide and promote quality psycho-social needs of the clients and enable them to utilize the medical and/or psychiatric services to achieve their optimal level of health through counseling, education and use of appropriate resources.

DUTIES:

Support and maximize the psychosocial functioning and adjustment of patients experiencing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and those receiving renal replacement therapies.
Promote positive, patient-centred health outcomes, which are evidenced by decreased psychosocial complications, delayed disease progression, promoting wellness and facilitating links to appropriate resources.
Facilitate continuity of care by completion of timely, comprehensive and concise psychosocial assessments, appropriate documentation, reporting to team members, and transferring relevant information to key service providers for effective transfers of care
Counsel patient and family regarding coping, crisis management, problem solving, health management, decision-making, resources and other psychosocial needs by utilizing appropriate therapeutic interventions
In collaboration with the health care team, ensure patients, families and caregivers have accurate and adequate information about diagnosis and prognosis so that they are able to make the appropriate health care decisions
Provide assistance with negotiating the complex health care and social systems and advocate for patient and family rights within these systems
Advocate for fair and equal access to service irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, language, culture, sexual orientation, financial status, religious or spiritual practices, physical and mental abilities
Educate and support patient and family regarding chronic disease management, delaying disease progression and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Build and foster ongoing collaborative working relationships within health care systems, regional programs, and with key partners such as the Ontario Renal Network and the Kidney Foundation of Canada
Facilitate and identify patient’s future health care values, wishes, decisions, substitute decision maker(s), legal and financial planning, and update, as needed
Educate patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams about supportive care, including conservative and palliative care and end of life care services. Promote care plans, community, and community resources that honour the patient’s wishes.
Develop and provide individual or group education for patients, families and community partners on issues such as coping, illness management, wellness, treatment, resources, and other renal or psychosocial topics
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.
Provide mentorship, training, supervision and leadership to social work students, staff and other interdisciplinary health professionals
Participate in the promotion, implementation, and evaluation of renal health and social work practice research
Comply with organizational policies, procedures and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Social Work
Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers.
3-5 years’ experience in a health care setting.
Demonstrated the ability to function as part of the interdisciplinary team and advocate for positive treatment environments, policies and care approaches that respect diversity including individual, cultural, gender, religious and ethnic differences.
Excellent communication skills including the ability to synthesize information into clear, concise messages both for detailed analytical reports and executive summaries.
Demonstrated behaviour consistent with the Sault Area Hospital mission statement and core values
Proficiency in English and French preferred.

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.

All new employees shall be fully vaccinated against COVID 19-prior to their start date. For clarity, fully vaccinated means that 14 days have elapsed after completion of your vaccine series (i.e. full two doses). The Hospital’s Occupational Health team will require evidence of full vaccination prior to an employee’s start date. If not fully vaccinated, the Hospital’s Occupational Health team can assist successful applicants with setting up the necessary appointments to become fully vaccinated, but any start date may be delayed to the date on which a successful applicant becomes fully vaccinated. The hospital’s requirement that successful applicants be fully vaccinated is subject to any accommodation obligations it may have under the Human Rights Code. Employees shall also be required to obtain boosters or other vaccinations related to COVID-19, as deemed necessary by the Hospital, and any failure to do so will be considered willful misconduct and/or disobedience and will result in the termination of the Employee’s employment without notice or pay in lieu thereof.

Sault Area Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.

This position is covered by a collective agreement. Applications from outside the bargaining unit are welcome, but can only be considered if the position is not filled from within the bargaining unit.