Social Worker Palliative Care Fellowship

University Health Network • Toronto, ON

5d • CA$43 - CA$54 • Onsite

About The Position

Applications are invited for a post-graduate fellowship in the UHN Department of Supportive Care-Palliative Care Program. This fellowship provides an opportunity to spend approximately six months engaged in independent and collaborative projects, focused on underserved populations in palliative care, under the supervision of The Fellowship Director, and other members of the Supportive Care-Palliative Care Program/UHN Staff. This fellowship course syllabus includes academic and clinical readings, which are aligned with palliative competencies on micro, mezzo & macro levels. A Palliative Care Specialist Certificate, jointly issued by University Health Network and the University of Toronto Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, will be earned at the end of the fellowship. Your permanent position will be temporarily filled during your fellowship.
The Palliative Care Program at UHN provides compassionate, interprofessional care to patients in advanced stages of serious illness, in collaboration with caregivers and other members of the patient’s care network. Social workers are integral to the coordinated delivery of holistic care that addresses symptoms, reflects the patient’s healthcare wishes, and supports families and caregivers.
The Palliative Care Fellow will be afforded opportunities to learn (but not limited to) the following:
Palliative care assessment techniques, advanced communication strategies, interprofessional team functions, ethical dilemmas in the palliative care journey, and the role of the palliative care social worker as a team leader.
The expectation of focus on underserved populations, in particular the indigenous community, will provide the fellow additional knowledge and expertise in social, cultural and psycho-spiritual perspectives of First Nations patients.
Instruction will be provided by Site Leads, Interprofessional Teams, University of Toronto Guest Lecturers, and other UHN staff, as well as self-directed e-learning modules and other modes found in the course syllabus.
The fellow will be expected to complete a project on an instructor-approved topic in palliative care, for presentation to UHN, University of Toronto and Palliative Network or Collaborating affiliates and stakeholders.
Other academic assignments as per the annual syllabus
Selection will be based on the candidate’s educational and professional background, research interests, understanding of critical social work scholarship, and their potential to contribute to palliative care research.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years clinical experience is required
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers
• Self-directed learning skills are required
• Knowledge translation skills required
• Experience as member of interprofessional team required
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) required
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Demonstrates competence with departmental and hospital safety, emergency and infection control procedures
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment and to function in an independent, self-directed manner

Nice To Haves

• Membership with National and Provincial Professional Associations is preferred
• Previous experience working with Palliative patients is preferred
• Previous experience with Oncology patients is preferred
• Innovative project development is preferred
• Teaching experience is preferred

Responsibilities

• Engaged in independent and collaborative projects, focused on underserved populations in palliative care.
• Complete a project on an instructor-approved topic in palliative care, for presentation to UHN, University of Toronto and Palliative Network or Collaborating affiliates and stakeholders.
• Complete other academic assignments as per the annual syllabus.

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: Entry Level