Zone: Eastern Zone
Location: Waterford Hospital

Social Worker III
Mental Health & Addictions - NAVNET
Permanent Full-time
23507POS
Hours 75 bi-weekly (8 hours; Days)
Salary CG-43 ($45.48 - $56.13 per hour which includes any negotiated wage adjustment and/or supplement as applicable )
Competition Number VAC0002625
Posted Date 2024-10-22
Closing Date 2024-10-29
Demands, duties, qualifications

Job Summary

Adhering to the Recovery and Person-Centered model(s), the Social Worker III utilizes a multi-disciplinary and multi-system approach in providing intensive Case Management services to adults with complex needs who have been accepted into the Navigators and Networks (NAVNET) Program. This includes working with persons who have severe and persistent mental health concerns, which may include cognitive issues, criminal justice involvement, and difficulty in finding and maintaining housing. These individuals often use multiple services within Eastern Health and other government departments, such as the Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour, The Department of Justice and Public Safety, NL Housing, as well as a wide range of community organizations. NAVNET Clients may engage in challenging behavior that can lead to risks of verbal and physical violence, police involvement, and service restriction.

This position will work with multi-discipline and multi-system teams to take the lead in securing appropriate housing and supports for patients currently residing in N3A, including patients that will be transferring to a house, and other units at the Waterford Hospital. This work will be central to the move to the new Mental Health Facility that will be built at the HSC.

As a member of a multi-system team the Social Worker III takes the lead in completing assessments, and in developing individual goals and interventions with NAVNET Clients. The Social Worker III develops working relationships and engages with clients to help them meet their needs. They provide a wide range of Case Management supports to assist clients in meeting goals and helping them achieve a higher level of wellness. This would include assistance in helping them find and maintain suitable housing; making referrals to other services/support as required, crisis intervention, advocacy, accompaniment to appointments, etc. They engage with clients to help them learn skills associated with the activities of daily living. This could include money management, grocery shopping, food safety, developing healthy relationships with others and community inclusion. The Social Worker III Liaise with a wide variety of service providers within Eastern Health, government and the community.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with other front-line workers in developing coordinated system responses for NAVNET Clients. The Social Worker III will take the lead in organizing and facilitating team meetings and will identify any gaps and/or system barriers clients face in trying to meet their goals and will inform the NAVNET Project Coordinator of these. They will participate in NAVNET training, regular networking sessions, complete required NAVNET documentation forms, and other data collection as required. They will also participate in NAVNET research studies and/or evaluations that may be completed by others. The Social Worker III will be responsible to provide field instruction to social work students and offer other clinical education experience to students within Eastern Health.

This position will report to the NAVNET Manager and maintains accountability for professional integrity issues to the Professional Practice Consultant for Social Work. The Social Worker III is required to work alone for extended periods of time and travel in a variety of weather and road conditions.

Job Demands

By applying for this job, you acknowledge an understanding that regular requirements and demands of this job include (but are not limited to):

Occasionally there is lifting, or physical strength required to carry boxes of resources/materials, flip charts and audio-visual equipment up to 15 lbs.

Occasionally work demands result in considerable fatigue requiring periods of rest.

Constantly sits to work on the computer or to drive to meetings.

Regularly uses fine finger/precision work to enter information into computer systems.

Visual and auditory concentration is required when reviewing client files/notes and for documenting work into computerized systems.

A higher-than-normal level of attentiveness and carefulness is required when assessing clients, especially those who may be at a high risk, in order to ensure their health and safety, staff's safety, and to prevent any possible dangers or hazards from happening.

Lack of control over the workspace and time pressures can occur when completing assessments, case documentation and workload reports, managing emergency and routine appointments within the allocated timeframe.

Occasionally there are interruptions due to a crisis situation.

Job Qualifications

Graduation with a Clinical or Integrated master's degree in social work from an accredited program with the MSW field placement in a clinical practice is required.

Minimum of five years of experience within the last seven working as a Social Worker in a mental health program, including a minimum of two years working with adult mental health clients with complex needs, is required.

Current registration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) is required.

Knowledge of intensive case management and coordination of services.

Knowledge of the Recovery Model.

Knowledge of relevant legislation, including but not limited to, Mental Health Care and Treatment Act, Adult Protection Act, and the Children, Youth and Families Act.

Knowledge of community resources in the areas of mental health and addictions.

Demonstrated knowledge and practice from a trauma informed approach.

Demonstrated strong clinical leadership skills

Demonstrated proven analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making and organizational and research skills.

Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, prioritizing caseloads and client needs

Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an interprofessional environment and provide clinical consultation.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Exhibited strong written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to deliver/facilitate effective presentations.

Demonstrated ability to write proposals, develop and evaluate clinical projects.

Demonstrated ability to direct, supervise and mentor students.

Exhibited strong program development and evaluation skills.

A valid Newfoundland and Labrador Class 5 Driver's License and the use of a private vehicle are conditions of employment.

A satisfactory record of work performance is required.