Social Worker BSW, Garron Centre

IWK Health; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

IWK Health is seeking a Social Worker for its Garron Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health. The role involves supporting clients and families through discharge processes, requiring a Bachelor of Social Work and significant relevant experience. This position offers an opportunity to impact youth mental health positively.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in mental health or related areas.
• Experience should involve children and adolescents.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized discharge plans for clients and families.
• Monitor transition care plans and collaborate with the care team.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Excellent communication

Time management

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor of Social Work Degree

Current license or eligibility with NSCSW

Job description

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Company: IWK Health

Req ID: 204926

Department/Program: Garron Social Work, Mental Health And Addictions

Location: Halifax

Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100% FTE) for 1 year x 1 position(s)

Start Date: July 2025

Union Status: NSGEU Healthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit

Compensation: $36.5798 - $49.0035 /hour

Closing Date: June 26, 2025 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. We focus on training and mentorship opportunities, recognize talent, and celebrate successes. Our work is supported by modern facilities and virtual options, aligned with our values, and includes access to benefits and wellness programs.

We promote an anti-racist environment and are committed to eliminating discrimination. Located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, we serve diverse communities including 13 First Nation communities and over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities. We aim to be a safe and supportive space for equity and belonging, welcoming applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Clinical Manager of the Garron Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health, the Social Worker plays a key role in discharge support and continuity of care. As part of the interprofessional care team, the primary responsibility is to support clients and families through implementing individualized discharge plans and connecting them with community services and resources.

The Social Worker (BSW) monitors transition care plans, identifies risks of illness recurrence, and addresses safety concerns. They collaborate with the team, evaluate interventions, and act within their scope of practice. Expertise in youth and adolescent mental health, family dynamics, addictions, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and interprofessional collaboration is required. Responsibilities may also include supervising students, teaching, program development, research, and serving as a resource to team members, always demonstrating professionalism and respect aligned with client- and family-centered care and professional standards.

Hours of Work

Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 pm (7.5 hour shifts), with potential for evening/weekend work. Flexibility and ability to travel are required.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree
• Current license or eligibility for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)
• Minimum two years’ experience in mental health or related areas with children and adolescents
• Preferred: Minimum three years’ experience in child and adolescent mental health and addictions
• Successful completion of a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada BLS within the last 12 months or renewal
• NCI certification
• Knowledge of suicide risk assessment and safety planning
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Familiarity with community resources in HRM and Nova Scotia
• Experience with mental health and addiction disorders, family systems, and evidence-based treatments
• Understanding of social, structural, emotional, psychological, and cultural factors affecting well-being
• Use of anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of clinical documentation standards (preferred)
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners
• Knowledge of emergency response for at-risk youth
• Working knowledge of disruptive behavior disorders (preferred)
• Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act (asset)
• Multilingual skills (asset)
• Willingness to supervise practicum students

Thank you for your interest. We only contact shortlisted applicants. Accommodations are available upon request for assessment processes. Internal applicants should apply through the internal careers page to be recognized as internal candidates.