Medical Social Worker

KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK • Thunder Bay, ON

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves providing comprehensive counselling and support to community members and their families, with a focus on integrating cultural values and practices. The Medical Social Worker will offer client-centered, crisis counselling via various platforms, utilize knowledge of community resources to connect clients with appropriate services, and conduct psychosocial assessments. They will assist in developing individualized care plans, provide immediate support during crises, advocate for clients' needs, and develop therapeutic processes using trauma-informed best practices. The position also involves promoting harm reduction strategies, evaluating progress, engaging in ongoing training, maintaining accurate records, protecting confidentiality, and adhering to reporting requirements. The role includes regular communication with supervisors and participation in team meetings and supervision. There is potential for travel to various KO communities and office sites, often by small aircraft.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Social Work, Counselling Psychology, or a related field.
• Registration with the College of Social Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists or another recognized professional body is required; or the ability to be registered within one year of employment.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a clinical capacity.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems.
• Knowledge of techniques and principles of trauma-informed care, the family systems theory, crisis therapy intervention, individual/family/group therapy, trauma response, child abuse and family violence, addictions and harm reduction strategies, de-escalation strategies, suicide intervention strategies, and understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy and/or other relevant techniques.
• Experience in assessing high risk clients and responding appropriately.
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements.
• Ability to approach work holistically using a wellness model, highlighting, and encouraging community members’ strengths.
• Support system and self-care strategies in place to maintain own well-being.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain rapport and effectively communicate with community members and resource partners.
• Excellent verbal, written and computer skills.
• Strong interviewing, analytical, problem-solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Self-starter who can take initiative, work both independently and as part of a team and is highly adaptable.
• Provide a criminal record check and clear vulnerable sector search.
• A valid Class “G” Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with traditional counselling and spiritual healing practices.
• Knowledge of First Nation culture, history, community-based services, geographic realities, and social conditions within remote First Nations communities particularly in a regional context is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of traditional Indigenous healing, medicines or ceremonies is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working with First Nations communities is an asset.
• Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects from the K.O. communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling support to community members and families, respecting and integrating cultural values and practices.
• Offer brief, client-centered, crisis counselling and support via video, phone, and other digital platforms.
• Utilize knowledge of regional and community resources, mental health services, and social supports to connect clients with appropriate wrap-around services.
• Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments and other assessments to outline strengths and needs.
• Assist community members in developing individualized care plans and setting realistic goals.
• Offer immediate support and stabilization during crises, including risk assessment/management, safety plan development, and connecting clients to urgent resources.
• Advocate for clients’ needs, ensuring they receive necessary support and navigating complex systems.
• Coordinate care, collaborate, and refer to community/regional resources or specialists.
• Develop therapeutic processes to guide community members in developing skills and strategies for dealing with challenges, using trauma-informed best practices.
• Promote harm reduction strategies.
• Evaluate community member’s progress regularly and adjust interventions as necessary.
• Engage in ongoing training and development to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends.
• Maintain accurate, factual, and objective records in the case management system in a timely manner.
• Complete reports as required.
• Protect confidentiality, secure all records, and maintain integrity of client/community members’ records.
• Follow Duty to Report requirements as necessary.
• Provide regular updates to K.O. Mental Health Program Supervisor, Health Director, and Chief and Council.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings to review cases/issues, receive education and direction, and for debriefing.
• Participate in ongoing education in all areas of mental wellness and health team meetings.
• Potential travel to KO communities to provide education, counselling, support/guidance, intervention, etc.
• Potential travel to other K.O. office sites as needed.
• Perform other duties that may be deemed necessary by your supervisor or the Executive Team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level