Social Worker MSW, Outpatient Nephrology (0.5 FTE, 2-year contract)

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.

The Hospital for Sick Children is a leading tertiary pediatric center providing medical and mental health care to the most complex children and youth and their families. A dynamic clinical, education and research environment, SickKids is committed to excellence in integrated inter-professional care. It is a center of excellence in the delivery of innovative health care to the paediatric population.

Reporting to the Clinical Director, Social Work, this position will be primarily situated within the ambulatory nephrology program, which provides specialized services for patients with a wide range of kidney disease such as malformations of the urinary tract, nephrotic syndrome, renal stones, and electrolyte disorders.

The social worker in this position carries out psychosocial assessments to identify child and family concerns, goals, strengths, and resources in relation to children's and caregivers' physical and mental health. The social worker will offer evidence-based psychosocial interventions that assist in the care plan of patients and their families, including adapting and coping with diagnoses and the challenges that arise. Support to patients and families will include consideration of families' problem-solving abilities, attitudes, history, culture, support and resources in relation to the child's illness. The social worker is a key member of the team, working closely with other team members to provide support and improve outcomes for patients and families.

As a member of a cluster of social workers who work collaboratively, there will be some involvement with the other medical programs to serve the purposes of coverage.

Providing services in one of the most diverse cities in the country, SickKids social workers are committed to enhancing health equity, respectful service and inclusion of all populations served by the hospital.

Social workers are important partners in delivering on the mental health strategy of SickKids. Increasingly their work reflects the important integration of mental health in the context of managing complex pediatric life-span conditions - an important priority of the patients and families whom we serve.

Here's What You'll Get To Do

• Assess and support children with kidney disease and their families at different points in their journeys (whether at time of diagnosis, transition points, etc.)
• Utilize in-person, telephone, email and virtual communication to provide support to a large caseload of patients/families across a wide range of issues related to physical and mental health
• Develop and implement a plan of intervention which addresses coping, adaptation, treatment adherence and quality of life. This is achieved through a variety of modalities including crisis intervention, supportive counseling, consultation, case management, community outreach and advocacy
• Develop and implement treatment plans which build coping skills, improve relationships, and quality of life. Such treatments would be conducted through a variety of modalities including
• Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Models, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, etc.
• Support families coping through their child's chronic or acute medical conditions
• Assist families in securing resources that address issues related to the social determinants of health
• Collaborate with the health care team
• Collaborate with social workers in this cluster to develop programs for patients and families
• Contribute to research integrate this research into practice
• Create, utilize and/or disseminate new knowledge
• Assume responsibility for all aspects of practice including issues of productivity and utilization
• Participate in social work committees/working groups
• Participate in weekend social work provision
  
  

Here's What You'll Need

• Master's degree in Social Work
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Clinical experience with children and families
• Experience with child protection
• Well-developed family support skills
• Ability to effectively deal with conflict
• Knowledge of common mental health issues and treatment
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in culturally competent practice, and extensive understanding of the importance of health equity, diversity, and inclusion in the delivery of healthcare services
• Understanding of health care delivery systems and the practice of social work in a secondary setting
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively as a member of the inter-professional health care team
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, time management skills
• Proficiency in the use of electronic platforms such as Microsoft Office, hospital documentation systems and other relevant technology
• Ability to be detail-oriented while also considering larger systemic issues
• Willingness to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated commitment to practice in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice
• Demonstrate commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion objectives
• To accommodate the needs of patients and families, flexible hours are required; This job is primarily on-site at the Elizabeth St location.
  
  

Here's What You'll Love

• A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy. Self-care helps us support others.
• A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you will be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
• For more on why you'll love working at SickKids, visit our careers site.
  
  

Employment Type

• 18.75 hrs/week
• 0.5 FTE, 2-year contract, modified benefits (health and dental)
  
  

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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