Health Care Social Worker (Masters) - Community Palliative Care

Nova Scotia Health Authority•Yarmouth, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker contributes within the team an understanding and assessment of the psycho-social, emotional and practical needs of individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness. The Social Worker advocates for a plan of care that supports the patient’s and family’s desire for control, independence, intimacy and their sense of dignity. The Social Worker provides care in a manner that is sensitive to personal, cultural and spiritual values, beliefs, practices, developmental stage and preparedness to deal with the end-of-life process. Utilizing effective communication techniques, the Social Worker, establishes helping relationships and provides counselling for patients and families who are feeling distressed or experiencing conflict. The Social Worker understands the grief and loss process and applies this knowledge in supporting patients and family members. The Social Worker participates in patient rounds by communicating changes, challenges and needs associated with each patient’s psych-social situation. The Social Worker accepts responsibility for maintaining and continually enhancing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs, research and continuous quality activities. The Social Worker maintains standards of social work practice and professional behaviors as determined by the Canadian Association of Social Work, the Nova Scotia College of Social Work and specialty standards as applicable and the policies and procedures of Nova Scotia Health.

Requirements

Masters of Social Work and registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work
Graduate of a recognized Palliative Care course (Pallium Canada – LEAP Core; deSouza Institute – Education in Palliative Care; Interprofessional Psychosocial Oncology). If not available, willingness to obtain as soon as possible.
Minimum two years full-time clinical experience required; within a health-care setting preferred.
Demonstrated understanding and utilization of the domains of care related to illness and loss.
Demonstrated leadership abilities including effective decision-making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the provision of patient/family care.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, and in a self-directed environment while responding to the challenges of a demanding, multi-faceted role.
Ability to provide care that is sensitive to the patient and family’s personal and cultural values, beliefs and practices, their developmental stage and readiness to address matters associated with a life-limiting illness, death and bereavement.
Experience counseling individuals through loss and grief.
Driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

Oncology and palliative care experience
Mental Health First Aid training
Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Responsibilities

Contribute an understanding and assessment of the psycho-social, emotional and practical needs of individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness.
Advocate for a plan of care that supports the patient’s and family’s desire for control, independence, intimacy and their sense of dignity.
Provide care in a manner that is sensitive to personal, cultural and spiritual values, beliefs, practices, developmental stage and preparedness to deal with the end-of-life process.
Utilize effective communication techniques to establish helping relationships and provide counselling for patients and families who are feeling distressed or experiencing conflict.
Understand the grief and loss process and apply this knowledge in supporting patients and family members.
Participate in patient rounds by communicating changes, challenges and needs associated with each patient’s psych-social situation.
Accept responsibility for maintaining and continually enhancing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs, research and continuous quality activities.
Maintain standards of social work practice and professional behaviors as determined by the Canadian Association of Social Work, the Nova Scotia College of Social Work and specialty standards as applicable and the policies and procedures of Nova Scotia Health.