Social Worker Bachelors

Health Sciences North; Greater Sudbury; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Sciences North is seeking a Social Worker to advocate for patients and families whose function is affected by illness, injury or mental health challenges. You will coordinate safe hospital discharge by linking personal resources and community services to support function and prevent readmission.

Under the Clinical Manager, Respiratory Care, you will participate in rounds, mentor staff, and support learners while maintaining ethical standards and patient confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited university.
• Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is required.
• Minimum of one year experience in a health care environment.
• Current membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers is preferred.
• Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps training certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform psychosocial assessments to identify problems related to treatment and discharge.
• Develop and implement a patient-centered intervention plan to minimize identified risks.
• Screen and triage high-risk referrals and identify Next of Kin/SDM.
• Coordinate timely discharge plans with the care team.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to patients and families.

Job description

Work Type

Full-time

Affiliation

ONA Paramedical

Shift Assignment

Days

Yes

Police Check Requirement

Site

RLHC-ONA Paramedical

Salary Information

$39.17 - $50.76 / hour

Application Closing Date

September 2, 2026

KEY FUNCTION:

Advocate for and work with patients and families whose ability to function safely in the community has been seriously compromised by illness or injury and mental health challenges. Play a critical role in coordinating and facilitating a patient’s viable discharge from hospital, through the identification of personal resources and community services to optimize their function and reduce the risk of psychosocial breakdown, and to avoid precarious discharges and unnecessary readmission to hospital.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Respiratory Care.

DUTIES:

• Perform psychosocial assessments to identify problems/barriers related to treatment, social function and viable discharge from hospital.
• Develop and implement a patient centered intervention plan to minimize or eliminate identified risks and problems.
• Screen, triage and provide timely intervention to high risk referrals including abuse, neglect, trauma, homelessness, caregiver issues and identification of Next of Kin (NOK)/Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).
• Formulate, coordinate and execute timely discharge plans based on the combined assessment of all health care providers in conjunction with patient/family.
• Chair and facilitate case conferences as required.
• Activate referrals to a range of community agencies (i.e. Income, Housing, Children’s Aid Society (CAS), Mental Health, Office of the Public Guardian Trustee, etc.) to support patient and family’s functional potential upon discharge.
• Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds and weekly Alternate Level of Care (ALC) rounds, and complete identified action items (i.e. transition beds).
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and/or education to patient/family around new diagnosis, trauma, bereavement, family discord, lifestyle changes and coping strategies.
• Provide regular verbal updates to the patient and team regarding interventions to date and document in Meditech.
• Participate in hospital and community based committees as required.
• Participate in education/training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation/standards and guidelines.
• Assist with identifying NOK/SDM for unclaimed bodies in the Morgue by completing the required paperwork.
• Educate and mentor new staff and student placements.
• Maintain relevant statistical information.
• Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
• Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
• Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
• Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited university.
• Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is required.
• Current membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers is preferred.
• Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working within a health care environment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, clinical reasoning and critical thinking withthe optimal social work intervention.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of community resources and eligibility criteria.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve, set priorities and manage conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to case manage a diverse caseload on an active acute care unit.
• Demonstrated knowledge and management of ethical issues related to clinical social work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government legislation, policies and programs affecting the patient population we serve (i.e. Health Care Consent Act/Mental Health Act and Child Protection).
• Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
• Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
• Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
• Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload, with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently is in a fast pace environment with complex cases.
• Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.