Program Consultant (Registered Social Worker)

Extendicare•Markham, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Recreation and Rehabilitation, the Program Consultant – Registered Social Worker is responsible for providing professional leadership and clinical expertise to support evidence based, resident entered psychosocial and rehabilitation services. The incumbent supports the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of social work standards, best practices, quality improvement initiatives, policies, programs, and procedures across Long Term Care Homes and Retirement Communities. This role is an operational leader who works collaboratively with interprofessional teams and key stakeholders to advance Extendicare’s vision of becoming the best seniors’ care and services organization in Canada. Through mentorship, consultation, and evidence of informed practice, the role supports excellence in care, resident wellbeing, safety, and quality of life outcomes. The position is located in Ontario.

Requirements

A valid registration and good standing as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the applicable provincial regulatory body is required.
A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in geriatric social work, psychosocial care, mental health, behavioral support, or related practice areas, preferably within long-term care (LTC) homes
Proven expertise in program development, psychosocial and behavioral support models, resident and family engagement, trauma informed care, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Demonstrated expertise in quality improvement concepts, methodologies, and practical implementation
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint, is essential
Demonstrated proficiency in data literacy, encompassing the analysis of quality, safety, and experience indicators
Demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying legislative, regulatory, and quality assurance frameworks relevant to long-term care (LTC)
Proven dedication to resident and family centered care, cultural transformation, psychosocial interventions, restorative approaches, and service excellence
Demonstrated ability and commitment to undertake frequent travel within assigned provinces (approximately 80% field based); occasional national travel is also required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with pertinent health information systems, including PointClickCare and provincial information repositories, is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Lead quality improvement initiatives for social work and psychosocial services aligned with Extendicare’s strategic priorities.
Develop, implement, and evaluate divisional social work standards to ensure alignment with professional ethics, best practices, regulatory requirements, and long-term care legislation across Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba.
Ensure models of social work practice promote resident dignity, autonomy, emotional well-being, meaningful engagement, and quality of life.
Support safety and risk management related to psychosocial care, including compliance optimization, audits, staff interviews, root cause analyses, risk assessments, and implementation of action plans.
Apply an outcomes-focused approach to safety that balances risk mitigation with resident choice, rights, self-determination, and trauma informed practice.
Collaborate with long-term care homes to enhance social work practices through program development, on-site coaching, mentorship, and support of clinical and operational leadership.
Provide education to staff and leaders on social work–related policies, procedures, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Facilitate the development of standardized social work procedures within scope of practice to support resident admissions, transitions, and discharges.
Promote continuous quality improvement by sharing evidence-informed, person-centered best practices aligned with divisional operating models.
Foster a just and compassionate safety culture grounded in learning, accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and respect for resident and family voices.
Support quality assurance initiatives, including accreditation processes and compliance with federal and provincial regulatory standards.
Develop, analyze, and share social work–related quality, safety, and resident experience indicators to support data-informed decision-making and service improvement.