Social Worker

Infectious Diseases

St. Joseph's Hospital - London, ON

Temporary Full Time

Salary Range: $39.16 - $50.77 /hour

Temporary employment anticipated to extend until March 23, 2026, subject to the availability of work.

The Infectious Diseases Care Program is an outpatient program which provides service to individuals who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C. The client population includes individuals of all ages, diverse sexual identity, those who face challenges of engagement and retention in care, substance use, co-infections (Hepatitis C), mental illness, homelessness, poverty, stigma, discrimination, legal issues, refugee and immigration status, death and dying.

An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a social worker to provide comprehensive clinical interventions including assessment, crisis intervention, psycho-education, as well as brief and long term psychotherapy or counseling with individuals, couples, families and groups. Important components of the role also include program development, research including academic and community based health projects, education, liaison and collaboration with community partners, social service and health/mental health care organizations.

In addition to highly developed and specialized clinical knowledge and skills, the social worker possesses the ability to work effectively in an inter-professional team, with a non-judgmental, respectful and reflective approach to practice.

Although the primary role is within the Infectious Diseases Care Program, the social worker will provide service to other programs and services within the hospital. Social workers within the hospital provide coverage for each other for vacation and absences.

Essential Qualifications

• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA
• Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Minimum 5 years clinical experience working with individuals with chronic health/mental health problems and concurrent disorders, and their families
• Knowledge of the issues faced by individuals with HIV/AIDS and co-infections, and their families, across the life span
• Demonstrated experience and competence in delivering the full range of clinical social work services with an outcome-oriented approach
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in delivering evidence-based social work therapeutic interventions to a diverse client population
• In-depth knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Demonstrated anti-oppressive approach to social work practice
• Highly developed skills in psychosocial assessment and treatment, with the ability to identify client needs, engage in critical analysis through professional assessment, and skillfully implement social work interventions in collaboration with the client, family and the inter-professional team.
• Demonstrated strength in written/verbal communication and case management
• Proficient computer skills with a variety of programs
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to mobilize community resources
• Strong crisis intervention, advocacy, conflict management and facilitation skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to function effectively independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent organizational, time management and communication
• Ability to accept and positively influence change in the work environment
• Demonstrated skills in providing education to patients, families and the health care team
• Familiarity with outcome measurement related to clinical practice and the ability to measure and evaluate practice change outcomes
• Knowledge of relevant legislation
• Interest and ability to participate in and lead research projects
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset
• Master of Social Work
  
  

Teaching and Research

• St Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties
  
  

Immunization Requirements

• Provide documentation you have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine (primary series/boosters, XBB or KP.2) OR one dose of KP.2 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start date.
• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox)
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing