Social Worker I, Residential Services

Detailed Overview

Reporting clinically to the Professional Practice Leader, Social Work and administratively to the Manager, Clinical Services, the Social Worker collaborates as a member of the interdisciplinary team and delivers comprehensive Social Work services to clients / residents and their families within the assigned area.

The Social Worker uses a variety of interventions including psycho-social assessments, resource linking, and clinical counseling to address social-emotional issues, bereavement, transition and adjustments due to chronic illness and disability resulting in residential placement.

Provides ongoing education and consultation to clients / residents, families and healthcare professionals for care planning.

Participates as part of the interdisciplinary team, in in-services, psycho-educational and support groups and research. Maintains community resource links.

Responsibilities In accordance with professional standards, hospital policies and established Residential policies and procedures, the Social Worker : Conducts psycho-social assessments of clients / residents and families.

Provides clinical counseling services to clients / residents and families concerning adjustment to chronic illness, disability, relocation, bereavement, coping strategies and caregiver support.

Provides consultation and education to clients / residents, families and interdisciplinary team members on issues related to high risk factors, adaptation to illness and disability, loss, grief, and bereavment, transition stress, protection of vulnerable adults, current community practice relevant to residential care, community living and support services, and critical incident stress management.

Coordinates the admissions process in collaboration with the interdisciplinary staff and provides admission orientation to the client / resident and family.

As part of the interdisciplinary team, contributes to the client / resident care plan by assessing and advocating the emotional, social and physical needs of the client / resident and family.

Facilitates interdisciplinary team conferences and organizes interdisciplinary meetings that may include community service providers, client / resident, and family members in response to client / resident or program needs.

Provides community resource information and facilitates appropriate referrals to services in the community. Maintains an ongoing knowledge of community services available.

Contributes to research activities and participates in program planning and development. Maintains ongoing education and development in the Social Work profession and participates in professional development activities in order to advance Social Work practice.

Maintains record keeping and reporting including charting on medical charts and workload statistics. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelors Degree of Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.

One year's recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers.

Skills and Abilities Ability to relate to seniors. Knowledge of family systems and dynamics, residential care models, dementia, and an understanding of emotional and mental health issues related to chronic illness and disability.

Knowledge of relevant legislation including Adult Guardianship Legislation. Counselling and group facilitation skills. Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups.

Knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with community health and social agency personnel.

Ability to work collaboratively with others, work in a multicultural environment, and work as part of an interdisciplinary team and understand the frameworks of other disciplines.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to organize and set workload priorities in a complex environment.

Ability to accept responsibility, exercise initiative, and work independently. Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.