Social Worker Msw

Company Biography
The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation's seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.
Position Overview
The Social Worker MSW (Lead) plans, organizes and implements social work services to the Long-Term Care Division's residents and families. They will work with residents in the Home to identify their psychosocial, mental and emotional needs along with providing, developing and/or aiding in access of services to meet those needs.
The incumbent will foster a climate, policies and routines that enable residents to maximize their individuality, independence and dignity. This climate shall provide residents with the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

**Responsibilities**:
**Leadership and Communication**:

- Supervise students assigned to social services in accordance with the respective school guidelines and monitor and document the progress of their work
- Supervise/lead the social work activities of other social worker(s) employed at the County Long-Term Care Homes
- May be required to complete educational presentations to staff; other agencies; family groups (i.e. Family Council) to assist in increasing awareness/education
- Educate staff regarding the role of the Social Worker in the Home, the psychosocial needs of the residents and their families/significant others including the problems of aging and disability, cultural diversity, each staff member's importance when caring for residents, residents' rights and how to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect and mistreatment
- Educate residents and families/significant others regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extent of community, health and social services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning

**Documentation and Meeting**:

- Maintain records, reports and statistics necessary for program functioning and evaluation
- Act as part of the Interdisciplinary Team, chart care provided, behaviours and incidents, respond to resident and family inquiries, complete RAI-MDS assessments, provide information/documentation to other agencies, service providers and maintain clinical notes
- Liaise with a variety of consumer groups and community service providers to provide clients with access to the appropriate programs. Examples would include Canadian Mental Health, Community Legal Assistance, local Health Integration Network (LHIN)Consent and Capacity Board, Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and Alzheimer’s Society
- Knowledge of legislation and information surrounding Consent and Capacity; Power of Attorney and Substitute Decision making to assist in advocating on residents' behalf. Ability to support residents in decision making and remain non-judgemental and recognize that individuals have the right to make choices that others may not agree are in the residents' best interest.
- Represent the appropriate department on various internal and external committees related to this client group, in order to enhance their quality of life and self-sufficiency
- Participate in meetings, staff education and act as resources for other staff as requested
- Liaise with community agencies and supports to ensure that all requirements are in place to assist in a successful transition from Long Term Care to the community
- Act as the staff assistant to residents' and family Council

**Resident Care**:

- Assists Long-Term Care residents and their families in dealing with the transition of moving into a Long-Term Care Home. Provide support and/or counselling to aid in dealing with the challenges of aging, including increasing disabilities and palliative care
- Will ensure supports are in place for residents (and their families) experiencing issues related to substance abuse and mental health. Provide support and information to staff as required
- Provide support in accessing outside resources to assist in obtaining items residents may not have coverage for such as dental, glasses, medication, special devices etc. Knowledge of additional supports available from agencies such as Salvation Army; Inn of the Good Shepherd; Pathways; Trillium Drug Program etc.
- Continue to develop knowledge base/appropriate skills related to social service support and assistance, mental illness and issues