Social Worker - RSW - Forensic Psychiatry (M3)

St. Joseph; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System in Hamilton is seeking a Registered Social Worker to join the Forensic Psychiatry Program. You will provide psychosocial assessments, counselling, case management, and discharge planning to support recovery and community reintegration for mentally disordered offenders.

The role emphasizes leadership in high-risk social situations, collaboration within an inter-professional team, and ongoing professional development. Ontario licensure and Act awareness are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Social Work from an accredited University required.
• Master’s of Social Work from an accredited University preferred.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers required.
• Membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers preferred.
• One year recent related clinical experience with mental health client population and clinical setting preferred.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Mental Health Act and related acts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills for report writing and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial assessment, counselling/psychotherapy, case management.
• Deliver patient/family education and discharge planning.
• Coordinate services and consult with multidisciplinary team.
• Support risk management, advocacy, and community linkages.
• Mentor and contribute to continuous quality improvement and research activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Interprofessional collaboration

Crisis intervention

Discharge planning

Advocacy

Case management

ADAT familiarity

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Master of Social Work preferred

OCSW registration

OSW membership preferred

Tools

ADAT tool

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position DetailsJob Number:JR02458Department:Forensic Social WorkThis position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)Job Type:Temporary (Fixed Term), Full timeContract Duration: (If applicable)5 monthsNumber of Positions:1Union:OPSEU Local 206Hourly Rate (Min / Max):$46.85 - $58.01ScheduleWork Days:Monday to FridayTime of Day:DaysShift:Hours - 7.5Shift Start: (If applicable)Reason for Posting:Posting is for a role with an existing vacancyApplication DatesOpening Date:2026-10-27Closing Date:2026-11-03Job DescriptionUnit Profile:The Forensic Psychiatry Program work towards restoring and maintaining the mental health and well-being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multi-disciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals working together to provide a wide range of assessment treatment and rehabilitation services. In this capacity the Forensic Psychiatry Program provides: clinical risk and medico-legal assessments inpatient treatments in General and Secure environments and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central-South region and Halton.Position Summary:The Registered Social Worker 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 provides psychosocial assessment counselling/psychotherapy case management patient/family education supportive counselling discharge planning service coordination and consultation according to best practice standards in order to assist patients to achieve 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’s of Social Work from an accredited University required; Master’s of Social Work from an accredited University preferred.•Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers required.•Membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers preferred.•One year recent related clinical experience with mental health client population and clinical setting preferred.•Maintains current working knowledge of relevant legislation including: 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.•Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and as an independent professional•Maintains expertise in social work and evidence-based best practices which includes: family/individual and group treatment modalities case management crisis intervention and discharge planning.•Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with mental health client populations served.•Demonstrated knowledge in application of screening tools (ie. Admission and Discharge Assessment Tool (ADAT)).•Excellent verbal and written communication skills.•Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an inter-professional team with exceptional interpersonal advocacy negotiation and conflict resolution skills.•Exceptional critical thinking and creative problem solving skills.•Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge.•Demonstrated ability to work under pressure prioritize workload and meet deadlines.•Proficient computer skills for report writing assessments word processing workload measurement and access to information.Forensic Psychiatry Program-specific Qualifications:•Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered individuals.•Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment tools (i.e. HARM/AIS).•Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.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]).