SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER

Southbridge Care Homes; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Southbridge Care Homes is seeking a part-time Social Service Worker (SSW) for Forest Heights, a long-term care home. The role delivers emotional, social, and practical support to residents and families while promoting well-being, dignity, and independence.

The SSW collaborates with staff to coordinate care, provide counseling, and ensure compliance with Long-Term Care Homes Act and related standards. Experience in long-term care and knowledge of applicable regulations is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Masters of Social Work (BSW/MSW) or Social Service Worker (SSW)
• Current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers or Social Service Workers (or provincial equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, and participate in annual and new admission interdisciplinary care conferences.
• Develop and deliver social work services and programs to support residents and families.
• Provide counseling, advocacy, and emotional support to residents and families.
• Provide palliative and end-of-life care support to residents and families.
• Identify and respond to concerns of potential financial or emotional abuse with the team.
• Lead the home's ethics committee and provide consultation on ethical dilemmas.
• Participate in committees related to resident care and facility operations.
• Collaborate to plan and coordinate resident-centered care.
• Provide education and consultation on social work topics to staff, residents, families.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with policies.
• Connect residents and families with community services and government programs.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Empathy

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

BSW/MSW or SSW

Ontario College registration

Job description

Home: Forest Heights, Long-term care

Position: Social Service Worker (SSW)

Salary Range: $29.00 per hour and $32.00 per hour

Status: Part-time (3 days/week), Vacancy

Southbridge Care Homes provides exceptional acquisition, management, and redevelopment services for long-term care homes and retirement communities across Ontario. Our mission is to maintain a best-in-class portfolio that consistently delivers excellence in care and services while ensuring economic sustainability.

Job Purpose: The Social Services Worker provides emotional, social, and practical support to residents and their families within the long-term care home. This role promotes resident well-being, dignity, and independence by addressing psychosocial needs, supporting transitions, and acting as a liaison between residents, families, staff, and community resources. The Social Worker ensures compliance with applicable legislation and professional standards while fostering a caring, resident-centred environment.

Reporting to: Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, plan, and participate in annual and new admission interdisciplinary care conferences.
• Develop and deliver social work services and programs to support the psychosocial needs of residents and their families/advocates.
• Provide counseling, advocacy, and emotional support to residents and families as needed.
• Provide palliative and end-of-life care support to residents and families.
• Identify and respond to concerns of potential financial or emotional abuse, collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to address issues.
• Lead the home's ethics committee and provide consultation to staff on ethical dilemmas, working together to resolve concerns.
• Participate in committees related to resident care and overall facility operations as required.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to plan and coordinate resident-centered care.
• Provide education and consultation on social work topics through staff orientation, ongoing training, and seminars for staff, residents, and families.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in compliance with the Long-Term Care Homes Act, professional standards, and organizational policies.
• Connect residents and families with appropriate community services, government programs, and advocacy organizations.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Bachelor/Masters of Social Work (BSW/MSW) or Social Service Worker (SSW)
• Current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers or Social

Service Workers (or provincial equivalent).

• Experience in long-term care, healthcare, or gerontology preferred.
• Knowledge of the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, Residents' Bill of Rights, and related regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a compassionate, resident-centered approach.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community resources, healthcare systems, and support services for seniors.

Southbridge welcomes those applicants with disability related needs and those whom a need for accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.

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