Social Worker MSW

Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is “an active and total approach to care provided to children with life-threatening conditions and their families from the time of recognition or diagnosis of disease, throughout the illness, at the time of death and beyond. It is typically provided by an interprofessional team with consideration given to biopsychosocial-spiritual elements to meet desired outcomes. Care is focused on comfort rather than cure, although both approaches may exist simultaneously. PPC includes management of symptoms, provision of respite, co-ordination of services, delivery of end-of-life care, and provision of bereavement support (Spicer 2015).” 
The PPC Social Worker provides continuity of psychosocial support across the palliative journey and MCH bereavement programming that aims to ensure all bereaved families have equitable access to support and resources. This includes psychosocial and financial assessments, parental counselling, anticipatory grief support, after-death arrangements, bereavement follow up, facilitation of family peer support sessions and bereaved parent sessions, facilitation of parent groups, PPC psychosocial educational curricula, hosting debriefings, and providing caregiver support. The Social Worker (SW) functions as a valuable member of the interdisciplinary team and provides care to patients and families through in depth psychosocial assessments. The SW assesses, plans, monitors and evaluates client goal achievement by combining education and related clinical experience to offer patients and their caregivers support. The Social Worker develops and implements a plan of intervention, which addresses coping, adaptation, compliance and quality of life. The social worker uses a variety of modalities including counseling, group work, consultation, case management, community outreach and advocacy will be employed. The Social Worker works collaboratively with the health care team and identify and make referrals to appropriate supports and resources. The Social Worker also continually integrates evidenced-based research and best practice into care delivery and actively participates in professional practice and program committees & initiatives that support patient care.

Qualifications - External/Internal
1. Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work
2. Current Certificate of Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
3. Clinical experience with children and families dealing with death and dying, bereavement issues and chronic progressive illness 
4. Demonstrated expertise in assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy and teaching 
5. Excellent communication, teamwork skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team
6. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast paced changing environment
7. Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and problem solve effectively
8. Experience and demonstrated familiarity with Child & Family Services Act, Consent to Treatment Act, and Mental Health Act, and other related legislation specific to the role
9. Expert knowledge about community resources and referral processes
10. Ability to creatively problem solve and facilitate change 
11. Demonstrated understanding of the social determinants of health with dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion and trauma informed care
12. Demonstrated proficiency in report writing relating to assessment, and consultation, and strength in case management and consultation
13. Excellent written and verbal communication alongside strong interpersonal skills
14. Evidence of self-motivation, enthusiasm, and flexibility
15. Demonstrated leadership and delegation abilities and the ability to organize and coordinate patient and family-centered care with other members of the healthcare team 
16. Qualified as a field instructor for social work students and demonstrated experience supervising students
17. Demonstrated ongoing professional development and commitment to corporate initiatives