Social Worker

**OPSEU** Social Worker Regular Full Time Community MH Early Inter Psychosis Mental Health & Addictions Days and Evenings - 8 Hour Shifts(Subject to Change) Lakeridge Health Whitby Salary $43.370 - $56.220 per hour OPSEU - 2400000149 POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Early Psychosis Intervention Team provides specialized programming for individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive, intensive intervention as quickly as possible following the onset of psychosis The social worker will provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, case management, family therapy, treatment implementation and evaluation to clients experiencing a first episode of psychosis and their families in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. The role includes working with outpatients from 14-34 years of age in the clinic and in the community, with in hospital visits upon referral or when relapses occur. This position also involves participation in various components of the program delivery including attending psychiatry appointments with clients, individual therapy and various group interventions to clients and families. You will provide training for Masters-level social work students. The social worker will engage in therapeutic partnership with clients, their families, and hospital and community resources. You will be delivering and participating in research related to a new model of care called "Navigate", which is a manualized treatment protocol for patients and their families experiencing first episode psychosis. QUALIFICATIONS: - Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited university; - Registration (in good standing) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers; - Membership in OASW is preferred; - Minimum of five (5) years mental health experience with both youth and adults; - Minimum of 1 year recent experience working with people with first episode psychosis in an Early Psychosis Intervention Program required; - Valid Ontario driver's license; - Willingness to travel to provide services during day and/or evening hours; - Proven working knowledge of the Mental Health Act of Ontario; - Demonstrated skill in psychosocial assessment; - Knowledge of recovery and an understanding of social work interventions as appropriate for clients experiencing psychosis; - Current and demonstrated knowledge of psychotic illnesses including etiology, prognosis and treatment modalities; - Given the nature of this position, training in family assessment and treatment is necessary; - Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and interdependently on a multidisciplinary team; - Demonstrated ability to review current research and pursue ongoing professional development; - A keen interest in working with community agencies and educational institutions is essential; - Previous experience in individual, group and family psychotherapy with psychiatric population; - Recent, relevant experience in case management and a willingness to learn and develop new case management skills; - Current and demonstrated advanced group leadership skills using psycho educational and psychotherapeutic models; - Proven to have a good knowledge base in psycho educational group topics; - Possess superior communication and interpersonal skills and are able to collaborate effectively with both internal and external services and agencies; - Working knowledge of community services and resources; - Demonstrated leadership in discharge planning; - Demonstrated ability to work with clients of diverse backgrounds is necessary; - Excellent time management, interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), interviewing skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills; - Proficient in computer and keyboarding skills in Microsoft outlook, windows, word, excel, and Power Point - Must have satisfactory performance record; - Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy; - Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area; and; - Proven good attendance record with capability of maintaining this same standard; CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and OPSEU Local 348. Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.