Social Worker (MSW), Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit (CAPSU), Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (APU)

Fraser Health•Surrey, BC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of a multidisciplinary team, reporting to the Manager, Clinical Operations for day to day operations and the delivery of social work services, and accountable to the Professional Practice Chief for clinical practice issues, the position provides direct and indirect service including assessment, family intervention, group therapy, case management, and referral coordination to children, adolescents and their families admitted to the Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit or the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit. The Social Worker participates in education and consultation with hospital and community professionals, networks with community agencies throughout the region and participates in research, quality improvement, and program development as required.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from an approved school of Social Work, plus three (3) years' recent, related clinical experience in Child and/or Adolescent Mental Health, including assessment and family intervention.
Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers.
Comprehensive knowledge of major mental illness with specific knowledge of the diagnostic criteria pertaining to the psychiatric diagnosis most prevalent in the child and adolescent population.
Knowledge of family dynamics and family systems theory, crisis intervention, child protection and related legislation, and the full continuum of services available to children, youth and families.
Knowledge of the development stages of an individual within the family life cycle and the related psychosocial issues that may occur.
Knowledge of the broad range of issues pertaining to child and adolescent mental health.
Ability to assess high risk factors associated with hospitalization, acute psychiatric illness, and the strengths, abilities, and resources of children, adolescents and their families.
Ability to work with children and adolescents with mental health and substance use problems, family therapy and group work.
Ability to organize work.
Ability to work in a high volume/high stress environment with strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to make timely, effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with a wide range of services, agencies and authorities.
Ability to provide effective training and education to hospital and community professionals.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to operate related equipment, including related software applications.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

Nice To Haves

Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited School of Social Work, and a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. If you are applying under equivalency, please clearly outline in your application how your knowledge, education, skills and experience meet Master of Social Work (MSW) equivalency.

Responsibilities

Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessment of individuals suffering acute episodes of mental illness and a range of assessment techniques in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices.
Provides psycho-education to patients and families regarding psychosocial aspects of mental illness, including treatment approaches and appropriate community resources.
Provides counselling using a variety of modalities by methods such as brief therapy, motivational interviewing and family systems.
Participates in the ongoing development of the group therapy component of the program; co-facilitates child, adolescent and parent groups, using a variety of group therapy approaches.
Formulates goals and treatment plans with children, adolescents and their families within a biopsychosocial treatment model.
Actively participates in rounds, case conferences, discharge planning meetings, and other team activities relevant to patient care.
Liaises with hospital and community mental health practitioners, MCFD, schools, family physicians, and community resources by performing duties such as collaborating in the assessment and management of children and youth at risk, exchanging relevant information and making referrals when longer term treatment or follow-up is required.
Educates and provides consultation to healthcare professionals on issues related to high risk factors and current community practice in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, child protection, and social work practice in relation to persons with mental illness; provides training and orientation of students to social work practice in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Participates on assigned mental health program committees and planning bodies and attends meetings, as required to provide and receive information, including initiating and contributing to the development of policies and programs.
Maintains chart documentation and statistics, prepares reports and required documentation according to established program policies and procedures.
Participates in research, quality improvement, and program planning and development relevant to the needs of children and youth by methods such as providing required information and initiating and participating in research processes, trials, and grant applications.
Initiates and participates in ongoing evaluation of social work contribution in the assigned program areas by methods such as developing new programs and services as required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.