SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER

Southbridge Care Homes; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 39,950 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

Southbridge Care Homes is seeking a Social Service Worker to provide emotional, social, and practical support to residents in Owen Sound, Ontario. The role emphasizes resident well-being, dignity, and independence while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The SSW will collaborate with staff, families, and community resources, coordinate care conferences, and contribute to education and staff training. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work or SSW, plus active registration, is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in 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.
• Experience in long-term care, health-care, 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-centred approach.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan, and participate in annual and new admission interdisciplinary care conferences.
• Develop and deliver social work services and programmes to support residents and families.
• Provide counselling, advocacy, and emotional support to residents and families.
• Provide palliative and end-of-life care support to residents and families.
• Lead the home’s ethics committee and advise on ethical dilemmas.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to plan resident-centred care.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with regulations.
• Connect residents and families with community services and supports.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work (BSW/MSW) or Social Service Worker (SSW)

Current registration with Ontario College of Social Workers or Social Service Workers

Experience in long-term care, health-care, or gerontology

Knowledge of the Fixing Long-Term Care Act and Residents’ Bill of Rights

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Empathy and professionalism

Job description

Social Service Worker (SSW)

Location: Owen Sound, Ontario

Salary: $29.00 per hour to $32.00 per hour

Employment Type: Temporary full-time, 5 days a week

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 programmes to support the psychosocial needs of residents and their families/advocates.
• Provide counselling, 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‑centred 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 organisational policies.
• Connect residents and families with appropriate community services, government programmes, and advocacy organisations.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in 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, health‑care, 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‑centred approach.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong organisational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community resources, health‑care systems, and support services for seniors.

Accountability & Legislative Compliance

This role is accountable for ensuring the home’s nursing and personal care programmes comply with the Fixing Long‑Term Care Act, 2021 and the General Regulation (O. Reg. 246/22), including cooperating with inspectors, participating in mandatory reporting and supporting resident rights and family council processes. The Director of Care must ensure that staffing, care‑planning and clinical programmes align with the Act’s requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Southbridge welcomes applicants with disability‑related needs and those who require accommodation in the recruitment process. Please provide notice of your need for accommodation to the hiring manager upon scheduling of an interview.