Social Worker

CMHA•, ON

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Worker uses bio-psychosocial, Recovery, and empowerment approaches, including natural supports wherever possible to enable clients to maintain and develop optimum functioning and social roles. The Social Worker works with clients ages 16 years and older with serious and persistent mental illness with severe functional challenges, who have avoided or who have not responded well to traditional community-based or other outpatient mental health care and psychiatric rehabilitation services. Clients may have additional challenges such as personality disorders, concurrent disorders (substance abuse and mental health issues), traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, they may be homeless, or involved with the criminal justice system. In collaboration with the team, Social Worker uses individual and group empowerment oriented social work methods based upon a strengths Model approach to help combat stigma, promote optimal personal functioning and resilience, as well as community engagement by the client, significant others, and his/her family. The Social Worker collaborates with clients to provide individualized and flexible services to engage, support, and integrate them into the community, and facilitates their use of resources and supports to maximize their independence and potential and promote their recovery.

Requirements

B.S.W. with a minimum of 4 years' experience or a M.S.W. with a minimum of 2 years' experience in a community-based organization working with adults with serious mental illness.
Current registration with the OCSWSSW
A second language (Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Farsi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Tamil, Urdu) reflecting the local community is an asset.
Ability to apply Recovery principles and empowerment-oriented philosophies and practices in work with consumers
Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with clients, maintain confidentiality, and engage in reasonable self-care strategies designed to reduce stress by balancing work/life responsibilities
Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act, mental health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and PHIPA requirements
Extensive knowledge and experience facilitating groups.
Extensive knowledge of supports and services in York Region, including formal and informal resources
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to demonstrate computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office and Outlook
A valid Canadian driver’s license, a minimum $1,000,000 third party liability insurance
A satisfactory and current Vulnerable Sector Screening

Nice To Haves

A second language (Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Farsi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Tamil, Urdu) reflecting the local community is an asset.

Responsibilities

The Social Worker may be assigned to different programs as required based on need.
Maintain client caseload in accordance with program standards
Is familiar with signs and symptoms of trauma in clients and make referrals/provide short-term assistance to manage symptoms
Participate in initial assessment interviews with clients that includes collaboration with client
Collaboratively develop an empowerment plan and incorporate Recovery principles.
Provide up-to-date information on mental illness, treatment, medication, and community resources
Link clients to services, supports, and resources in the community
Provides information, education and counselling to clients, and with clients’ permission, family members, other agency personnel and community members concerning Recovery principles and practices, mental health, illness, coping strategies, and available resources.
Collaboratively develop a plan for termination of services
Follow program guidelines and the Client Safety Framework to promote client safety
Provide appropriate support to clients who have reported actions contrary to the Health & Safety program
Work with clients to identify safety issues and develop prevention and response strategies
Ensure case notes are completed in a timely manner
Document assessments, plans, summaries, interventions, and issues in a timely and accurate manner
Maintain clear and concise client records based upon facts and observations
Advocate to ensure services support and meet client needs
Engage in professional activities that promote the Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization
Take part in regular supervision with the Manager, providing necessary information for review of client files and discussion of appropriate interventions