Mental Health Social Worker

University Health Network • Toronto, ON

6h • CA$43 - CA$54 • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Social Worker who has a deep interest and experience in the Brain and Mental Health to join a novel, multidisciplinary clinical research program for the rehabilitation of movement disorders. We are looking for an enthusiastic, collaborative and creative individual with an interest a person-centered model. The Integrated Movement Disorders Program is a collaboration between the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre at Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and the Department of Psychiatry. The social worker will be a part of a multidisciplinary team and will play an integral part in continuing to build our program, with an aim to fulfill the goals and mission of our Center of Excellence through supporting the psychosocial needs of patients and families. The clinical populations of interest are movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and related conditions, and Functional Movement Disorder. Because these are complex disorders with physical, emotional and cognitive sequelae, the team includes specialists in neurology, rehabilitation, and mental health. We have developed integrated approaches to assessment and treatment that go beyond traditional multidisciplinary models to focus on emotional and psychological health and quality of life. The model has a strong component of patient education and self-management. An essential skill set to the role is the provision of counselling and time-limited psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Equally important is an interest and willingness to “think outside the box” given the highly collaborative nature of the therapies we provide.

Requirements

• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work required
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers required
• Membership in good standing of the Ontario Association of Social Workers
• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support required
• A minimum of four (4) years related clinical experience
• Experience working with patients with both neurological and mental health issues
• Experience in research, program planning and evaluation methodology skills
• Experience in providing mental health care as these disorders frequently have significant mental health complications, including but not limited to depression and anxiety.
• Demonstrated ability to be adaptable, build trust, provide coaching and mentorship for patients, facilitate change and continuous improvement
• Effective interpersonal skills including negotiation, conflict resolution and patient-centred care
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inter-professional team
• Someone who is motivated and interested in going beyond clinical interactions/skills and case management, and who is also quite organized, flexible, and can operate well both within a team and independently.

Nice To Haves

• Anxiety treatment skills is an asset.
• Exposure to chronic pain populations an asset
• Exposure to Quality Improvement methodology an asset
• Experience in patient education and self-management an asset
• Skills in motivational interviewing an asset
• Advanced training in cognitive behaviour therapy and other psychotherapy modalities is a strong asset.
• Research experience and/or an interest in research are a strong asset.
• A background in geriatrics, palliative care, and/or mental health conditions, or a different area of healthcare to transfer skills and experiences is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial assessments of patients and families to identify emotional, social, and environmental strengths and problems that may arise as a result of neurological illness
• Formulate, develop, and implement a comprehensive short-term psychosocial treatment plans utilizing appropriate clinical social work treatments and interventions. Interventions may include crisis intervention, trauma work, as well as grief and bereavement work. Anxiety treatment skills is an asset.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary health care in clinics and provide leadership in representing clinical social work perspective/liaison with patient and family.
• Provide independent follow-up visits, either in person, phone or via telehealth
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant medical/legal issues that impact on patient care, e.g., advance directives, child and elder abuse.
• Act in a leadership capacity to build a community network of trained providers.
• Work closely with the Clinical Leads (Neurologist, Neuropsychiatrist, Physiotherapist, and Education Lead) to continue to build and grow the program.
• Support administrative duties to ensure coordination of services, payments as well as patient flow through the clinic
• Serve as a liaison with community organizations e.g. Parkinson Canada and others
• Participate in organizing patient and care partner educational events and symposia
• Provide training to other health care professionals. May perform these functions independently or as part of a team.
• Provide education to patients and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient's diagnosis, illness, treatment and/or life situation.
• Provide teaching and training for students, staff, and faculty from social work and other disciplines.
• Contribute to the academic mission of the medical center and health system by participating in academic activities such as committees, conferences, publications, teaching and research.

Benefits

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

What This Job Offers

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