Capital District Health Authority Health Care Health Care Social Worker (Masters) Part Time in Halifax, NS

Overview

Capital District Health Authority

Branch Halifax NS CA

Position:
Health Care Health Care Social Worker (Masters)
Location:
Halifax, NS

This is a NSGEU Healthcare Agreement – Healthcare Bargaining unit position. Knowledge of NSHA services structures, community resources and navigating systems….

Opening Statement

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia. We are over 22,000 employees who provide health care and support services in hospitals, health centres and community-based programs throughout Nova Scotia.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Program Leader, Mental Health Specialty Services, or designate, the Health Care Social Worker works in partnership with services across the NSHA Central Zone and other partners to coordinate required services and supports to address the needs of clients/patients in the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program and the Dual Diagnosis, including patients identified as appropriate for Multi-Agencies Complex Case Management and or Community Treatment Orders under the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Order.
This position is shared, with half time spent in each of two programs: the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program and the Dual Diagnosis Program.

The Health Care Social Worker practices at an advanced level and works in collaboration with respective services and community partners to support clients/patients and families whose needs are complex, defined as unpredictable, multi-faceted and dynamic serious risk and social consequences and requiring a high level of multi-agencies collaboration. He/she works in collaboration with clients/families and service providers to develop individualized plan of care, crisis plan, and community treatment orders (when necessary) to address the complex and challenging needs of the clients/patients. The Social Worker will collaborate with other members of the team while providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and care planning, individual and group treatment. This role will also include collection of research data for outcome evaluation, consultations, education and shared care with other health care providers and community members.
The major responsibilities include but not limited to:
* Experience and expertise in conducting structured clinical interviews and using rating scales in the areas of psychotic disorders preferred
* Demonstrated clinical knowledge and skills in the field of major psychiatric disorders
* Demonstrated comfort and competence in community-based practice
* Ability and expertise in developing and conducting patient and family psycho-education groups preferred
* Ability and expertise in developing and presenting psychiatric educational seminars to health care professionals and community groups preferred
Experience working with families or substitute decision makers in coordinating plans or care or placements
* Prior research experience preferred
* Self-directed in his/her practice
* Exemplary written and communication skills
* Capacity for dealing with challenging clinical situations
* Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team
*Completes an initial screening assessment to determine eligibility for complex Case Management (individuals deemed ¿unclassifiable¿ for DCS and Continuing Care)
*Coordinates, develops, and monitors plans of care to address the needs of individuals and/or families
*Provides case management support
*Liaises with DCS complex case coordinators to coordinate and facilitate the transition of patients to community placements

Qualifications

*Master’s degree in Social Work
*Must be licensed with the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers
*Three – five years related experience in adult mental health.
*Knowledge of theoretical frameworks and perspectives, and specialization in one or more therapeutic modalities e.g., solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), etc.
*Knowledge of the social determinants of health and the risk factors and social consequences associated with diverse populations
*Knowledge of theories of human behaviour, family systems and dynamics
*Critical understanding of the impact of physical, mental, emotional and psychological illness on clients/patients.
*Excellent verbal and written communication skills including negotiating, public speaking and presentation skills, and the ability to translate complex systems’ issues into tangible and concrete terms
*Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to work sensitively and effectively with various professionals and community agencies in a collaborative team environment
*Conflict resolution skills – ability to motivate, negotiate and resolve conflict situations
*Problem solving skills
*Understanding of medical terminology
*Knowledge of required diagnostic tools including the DSM
*Knowledge of NSHA services structures, community resources and navigating systems
*Advanced knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Protection of Persons in Care Act, Personal Directives Act, Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act (IPTA), Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
*Cultural awareness and sensitivity
*Knowledge of specific populations with uniquely defined needs and challenges, e.g., young adults, elderly, LGBTQ, etc.,
*Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation, case management and mental health practices
*Ability to work irregular hours and under pressure to meet deadlines, demonstrating flexibility and versatility while managing numerous expectations simultaneously.
*Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position.
*Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
*Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle; and ability to travel to various communities within NSHA
* Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
* Successful Applicants are required to provide a criminal record check (including Vulnerable Sector Search) to People Services before starting employment and assume any associated costs as a condition of employment.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application. Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or missing information.

Hours of Work

*Long Assignment Part-time (50%) Position; 37.5 hours bi-weekly
*Beginning February 13, 2017 with an expected end date of November 24, 2017

Salary

Health Care Social Worker (Masters):
$32.6356 – $42.9028 hourly

Closing Statement

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Typically interviews are held within three to four weeks of the closing date.

This is a NSGEU Healthcare Agreement – Healthcare Bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is proud to provide a smoke free and scent free environment at this site.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority policy at this site requires no smoking, vaping or tobacco use on the property or during staff-led patient outings. This means not using any tobacco products, other smoked or heated substances, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), cigars, pipes, vape pens and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) at any time.