Social Worker

QUALIFICATIONS
- Eligible for and maintains licensure to practice as a Social Worker in the province of Manitoba
- Two (2) years of related health care experience in the last five (5) years
- Excellent knowledge of pertinent community resources, supports and services typically used by health care clients
- Familiarity with an evidenced-based practice and continuous quality improvement environment
- Knowledge of ages/stages of life cycles, health, loss, grief, trauma, chronic illness and aging process
- Understanding of right to choice/life/death issues, providing support and advice to patients/clients and families
- Ability to provide standard Social Work service including assessments and consultation, case management, psychosocial counseling, crisis intervention, referral and discharge planning when applicable
- Ability to work with clients/families utilizing a strength based client focused approach to care and service delivery
- Ability to assist clients, families and colleagues in respecting and resolving ethical concerns associated with health care practices and illness
- Ability to promote health and provide health education
- Knowledge of the impact of acute/chronic health issues and adverse childhood events can have on clients/families
- Ability to conduct practice in accordance with related policies, and legislation, including legislated confidentiality requirements of a health care setting
- Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License and access to a personal vehicle to provide services within Prairie Mountain Health
- Demonstrated leadership
- Advanced level of written and oral communication skills
- Strong organizational, decision making and problem solving skills
- Ability to display independent judgment
- Ability to work with all staff
- Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
- Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
- Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis

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The Social Worker, in collaboration with the client and their family, provides assessment, treatment planning, counselling, service navigation and case management services to families and individuals who are eligible for services.

The Social Worker plans, develops, organizes, implements and evaluates social services in accordance with standards, Code of Ethics and policies and procedures. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the Social Worker determines and coordinates client/family social, emotional and cultural needs. The Social Worker receives, investigates and resolves concerns or complaints from the client’s families and staff when required.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Overview**:
**Client Identification and Intake**
- Receives and reviews referral information and consults with other staff/team to identify clients/families who would benefit from Social Work services and are appropriate for Social Work involvement.
- Using standard client centered interviewing practices, engages the client in a therapeutic relationship.
- Determines priority based on referral information and/or assessment.
- Conducts a risk evaluation for safety, self-harm, violence, and understanding of choices and consequences as it relates to their health.

**Case Management and Resource Coordination**
- In consultation with the client, and as part of the initial assessment process, identifies areas where assistance will be required.
- Assist the client to access fundamental needs for housing, financial, vocational, and support resources in order to function optimally.
- Provides assistance and guidance in dealing with legal, financial, and other issues relevant to the needs of the patient/client/family.
- Establishes effective linkage to resources, agencies, and service providers to maximize functioning and improve/maintain quality of life.
- Contributes knowledge of systemic and family functioning issues to ensure that treatment planning considers the full range of intervention options.
- Supports client self-reliance and autonomy and advocates, as appropriate, on behalf of the client to obtain required services.
- When applicable, provides education and support in regard to the psychosocial impact of illness on the client and family.
- Collaborates with related health resource team members to assist with case management planning and service delivery decisions.
- Assists in promoting an understanding of the caregiver’s roles, responsibilities, limitations, and strengths.
- When applicable, assists with discharge plans as needed to facilitate the client’s transition to/from community and ensures continuity of care by preparing links to the required services and supports.

**Psychosocial Assessment and Consultation**
- Implements a Social Work process to assist the client to identify psychosocial problem areas that are relevant for intervention to optimize recovery/wellness.
- Assesses for family and general social supports.
- Provides assessment information, clinical judgment, and treatment reco