Social Worker

SJH St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph's Health System is seeking a Registered Social Worker to provide psychosocial assessments, counselling, case management and discharge planning across multiple Hamilton sites including Charlton Campus and the Reactivation Care Centre Dundas.

The role requires an SSW/RSW credential, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a team or independently. Ontario registration is required; occasional weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited university is required.
• Master of Social Work (clinical) is preferred.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is required.
• Membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers preferred.
• 2 years of acute care hospital social work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains current knowledge of relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, HCCA, etc.).
• Provides psychosocial assessments and counselling, discharge planning, and case management.
• Documents interventions in line with standards and guidelines.
• Identifies high-risk situations and provides crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinates complex discharges and leads discharge planning.
• Mentors junior staff and participates in quality improvement and research.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Stress management

Computer skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Master of Social Work (clinical)

OCSWR/SW registration (Ontario)

Job description

Position Details Job Number: JR02497 Department: Social Work Services This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites: Charlton Campus (Hamilton Downtown), Reactivation Care Centre Dundas, Satellite Health Facility (Hamilton Downtown) Job Type: Regular, Full time Contract Duration: (If applicable) 0 months Number of Positions: 1 Union: OPSEU Local 206 Hourly Rate (Min / Max): $46.85 - $58.01 Schedule Work Days: Monday to Friday, Occasional Weekends Time of Day: Days Shift: Hours - 7.5 Shift Start: (If applicable) Reason for Posting: Posting is for a role with an existing vacancy Application Dates Opening Date: 2026-10-22 Closing Date: 2026-10-29

Position Summary:

This position provides quality Social Work services congruent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). The Registered Social Worker will provide psychosocial assessment counselling/psychotherapy case management patient/family education supportive care discharge planning service coordination and consultation according to best practice standards in order to assist the patient in achieving optimum recovery and quality of life. This includes maximizing the benefit patients and families receive from their medical treatments and transitioning to risk-reduced timely discharges. The Registered Social Worker provides leadership in high risk social situations program development advocacy and developing and maintaining strong community linkages. Registered Social Workers will also participate in mentoring community development teaching continuous quality improvement and research activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited University (clinical degree) minimum
• Masters of Social Work from an accredited University (clinical degree) preferred
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers required
• Membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers preferred
• 2 years of acute care hospital social work experience preferred
• Able to work effectively both in a team environment and as an independent professional
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under pressure prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines
• Ability to be self-reflective and adapt to the changing needs of patients and healthcare environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required
• Proven flexibility and ability to adapt to change
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Good work performance and attendance record are essential
• A resume should accompany the application
• Demonstrated knowledge sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training preferred

Responsibilities:

• Maintains current working knowledge of relevant legislation which includes the following: Mental Health Act Health Care Consent Act Substitute Decisions Act Public Hospitals Act Long Term Care Act Child and Family Services Act PHIPA and Excellent Care for All Act
• Maintains expertise in generic social work practice and implements evidence-based best practices which includes family/individual and group treatment modalities case management crisis intervention and discharge planning
• Documents all patient related interventions adhering to the OCSWSSW Standards of Practice and the RSW discipline-specific documentation guidelines
• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments from a systems perspective which will include contact information (POA SDM NOK) current family/social status financial situation community agency involvement mental health status psychosocial history social work analysis identified issues/goals and intervention plans
• Identifies and intervenes with high risk social situations such as Intimate Partner Violence Child Abuse/Neglect Elder Abuse/Neglect Financial Abuse and others as appropriate utilizing best practice social work guidelines
• Provides theory-based counselling which may include crisis intervention and illness adjustment counselling
• Provides case management for an assigned patient area including the facilitation of patient and team goals related to function and discharge connecting the patient and/or family with services and/or resources in the community and ensuring patients and families understand the plan of care post discharge
• Coordinates all complex discharges and facilitates program specific case management activities
• Assumes the lead responsibility for discharge planning including the identification of patient and family needs and resources related to safe patient discharges
• Facilitates complex family meetings requiring therapeutic counselling skills conflict management mediation and skilled negotiation in order to identify and/or facilitate patient and team goals related to the therapeutic plan and the discharge plan
• Provides mentorship around specific developed areas of expertise to new RSW staff and health care providers of other disciplines
• Meets the requirements of Ontario Social Work re-certification through continuing education as outlined by the OCSWSSW
• Complies with all required Workload Measurement and other statistical data collection expectations
• Other duties as assigned

St. Joseph's Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]). At St. Joe's Hamilton, we believe in nurturing new talent, providing an inclusive and supportive work environment with meaningful growth opportunities, and exciting benefits and rewards. Whether you're passionate about providing compassionate care or eager to gain new skills, there's a place here for you to grow, learn, and succeed! Dignity. Respect. Service. Justice. Responsibility. Enquiry.