Social Worker, Complex Grief and Bereavement in the Hospice & Palliative Care Program

EmergencyMD; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Health and Social Services Provider in Hamilton seeks a Registered Social Worker (RSW) to deliver culturally competent support for clients facing complex grief and bereavement. Responsibilities include conducting clinical assessments, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing individual and group therapeutic interventions. The ideal candidate holds an MSW and has over 5 years of relevant clinical experience, with a strong emphasis on anti-oppressive care practices that address systemic inequities. This role offers opportunities for professional development while supporting the local community.

Benefits

Support for continuing education and professional development

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Extended health benefits

Staff recognition programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a clinical role, including in-person and virtual counseling.
• Experience in supporting people at end of life and providing palliative care.
• Ability to apply anti-oppressive, culturally appropriate care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical assessments and plans of care for complex grief and bereavement.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners for comprehensive treatment programs.
• Provide therapeutic interventions for individuals and groups.

Skills

Culturally competent care

Therapeutic interventions

Clinical assessment

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Emotional intelligence

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Registered with OCSWSSW

Job description

Who We Are

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self‑determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca.

How You Will Make an Impact

The Registered Social Worker (RSW) requires adherence to the mission and values of Good Shepherd Centres and compliance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This role emphasizes delivering services in a dignified, culturally competent, and respectful manner, incorporating an anti‑racism and anti‑oppression framework. The individual is expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic, leadership, and role‑modeling of behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

The position is a member of the Hospice & Palliative Care program interdisciplinary team and is integral in the provision of evidence‑based clinical interventions for individuals or groups that are experiencing complex grief and bereavement, with particular attention to equity‑deserving populations in Hamilton. The Social Worker, Complex Grief & Bereavement, plays a critical role by collaborating with internal and external partners, and is responsible for data collection related to their functions, supporting learners, research and quality improvement initiatives.

Client related responsibilities include conducting clinical assessments and plans of care related to complex grief and bereavement, including connecting clients to community supports and coordinating clinical care conferences with internal or external partners. This includes providing therapeutic interventions in a group and individual manner. The role also encompasses responding to inquiries about hospice, grief, and bereavement support, developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, and participating in interdisciplinary team conferences to formulate and coordinate comprehensive treatment programs. The Hospice & Palliative Care program also supports the training of professionals, including shadowing and supervision of placement learners in the sector.

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, Hospice & Palliative Care, Good Shepherd Centres, the RSW enhances the dignity and quality of life of our clients, visitors and staff by providing direct services to clients, their caregivers and other partners. This includes liaising with internal and external community service providers, including primary care providers, hospital partners, hospice providers, Good Shepherd Centres & Not for Profit Homes and Ontario homecare providers. All duties are performed within the context of an interdisciplinary team.

This role will have opportunities to participate in evidence‑based research to improve psychosocial interventions and outcomes and continuously monitor internal and external factors impacting care. Adherence to relevant legislation, regulations, and standards set by the OCSWSSW and Good Shepherd Centers is essential.

Additionally, the individual would observe all Good Shepherd health and safety rules and work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

What You’ll Bring to Our Team

• At minimum Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and registration in good standing with Ontario College of Social Workers Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or
• Advanced training in therapeutic modalities is required. This may include the following:
  • Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Anxiety, Depression, Trauma
  • Trauma‑informed Care – including traumatic bereavement
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Death, Dying and Bereavement training.
• 5+ years’ experience working in a clinical role, including in person and virtual counselling (individual, family, group) and service system navigation.

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working in an environment providing support to people at end of life who are receiving community, hospital‑based palliative care or hospice care, preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a healthcare or community setting with specialized knowledge of grief and bereavement across the lifespan, including experience with supporting advance care planning, older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers and people who have co‑occurring mental health issues.
• An excellent understanding and application of anti‑oppressive, culturally appropriate care, including experience with diverse populations including Indigenous, Black, racialised, and 2SLGBTQ2+ communities, and the ability to identify and address systemic inequities, required.
• Must have knowledge and experience utilizing harm reduction approaches for persons using drugs.
• In‑depth knowledge of Ontario legislation related to substitute decisions, POA, and the Public Guardian of Ontario, preferred.

• Must possess excellent evaluation, judgement, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to plan, organise, and implement both proactively and responsively.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrate high emotional intelligence, including self‑awareness, reflection, and the ability to manage stress in high‑pressure and emotionally sensitive situations.
• Excellent organisational skills are needed to meet client demands in a dynamic environment, along with strong leadership skills to collaborate, problem‑solve and effectively serve clients.
• Experience supervising university learners at the undergraduate and graduate level, an asset.
• Current CPR and First Aid certificate is an asset.
• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention certification is an asset.
• Communication ability in a language other than English is an asset.

What We Offer

• Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Staff recognition programs along with access to self‑care supports and EMPLOYEE / FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING atmosphere
• Make a difference and provide HOPE
• Extended Health Benefits

Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti‑racist and anti‑oppression framework. We strive to establish workplaces that reflect and are enhanced by the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from all people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you need accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 905‑528‑5877.