Social Worker, Specialized Services

Position Summary
Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for this position

Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an exciting opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Mental Health Substance Use department.

In accordance with the established mission, vision, values and strategic priorities of Northern Health and reporting to the Program Lead – Specialized Services or designate Lead (and to the Clinical Practice Lead-SW for clinical guidance, where applicable), the Social Worker provides clinical social work counselling services to clients and families with serious, persistent mental illness and substance use in the clinical specialty area within the Specialized MHSU Outreach and/or Substance Use Stabilization Services program. Conducts comprehensive social work and psychosocial assessments of clients with mental illness and substance misuse/dependence using a variety of modalities and in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices. Educates and provides support and consultation to clients, families, and healthcare professionals. As a member of an integrated, interdisciplinary team, takes a key role in discharge planning and ensuring optimal continuity of care through activities such as liaison, referral, advocacy, coordination, brokerage, and pre-placement visits. Develops, coordinates, and delivers in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days, 08:30 to 17:00

Smithers Smithers is located in the picturesque Bulkley Valley surrounded by three mountain ranges which provide a backdrop for the town’s Alpine setting. The main industries include forestry, tourism, transportation and agriculture. Smithers offers affordable housing and natural splendor that support a balanced lifestyle. The population of Smithers is approximately 6,000, with an additional 5,000 from the surrounding communities that access services. There are three elementary schools, one secondary school, one alternate format school for grades 9-12 and Coast Mountain College. Check out Smithers where there is always something new to experience.

What Northern Health has to offer you!
• Comprehensive benefit packages including, extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• “Loan Forgiveness Programs” are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of your application process, you will need to upload the following documentation:
• Registration number (if you are part of a regulated profession)
• Any supporting documents regarding education/qualifications for this position. Examples may include:
• Program certificates or diplomas
• High school/college/university transcripts etc.
• It is also recommended to provide a cover letter and resume

Are you an International Applicant? Before applying for a job with Northern Health, please follow these steps on our Northern Health careers page

Qualfications
• Bachelors or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work depending on needs of the program.
• Two (2) years’ recent, related experience in a mental health and substance use treatment setting or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license with access to personal vehicle for business purposes.
• CPR and First Aide

Skills and Abilities:
• Comprehensive knowledge of Social Work theory and practice.
• Ability to conduct and document a comprehensive psychosocial assessment.
• Ability to work with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including those with chemical dependency, mental illness, and homelessness.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients and families to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concerns.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of emotional issues related to mental illness and addictions and client and family cultural dynamics.
• Comprehensive counseling skills including crisis counseling, brief therapeutic interventions and group work applicable to clients and families.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
• Ability to educate and provide consultation to clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to provide leadership to the interdisciplinary team in care planning for the effective utilization of client resources.
• Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with community health and social agency personnel.
• Crisis prevention/intervention and conflict resolution/de-escalation skills.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment as well as capacity to work in partnership with other community agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families and staff and community agency personnel.
• Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, presentations, psychoeducational and support groups.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation’s communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.