Req ID: 202797
Location: Provincial position, location is flexible within the province
Department: MHA Central Intake Services
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1
Union jurisdiction to be determined upon appointment
Posting Closing Date: 21-Aug-25
Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centres, and community-based programs we operate across the province. Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators, and creative thinkers today.
Nova Scotia Health employs professionals in all corners of our beautiful province. We believe there's a place here for everyone to call home, from vibrant cities with exuberant nightlife to quaint towns with picturesque trails. The work-life balance that comes with a Nova Scotia Health role means you'll have the time to explore, discover, and participate in that coveted Atlantic lifestyle. Visit us today and check out www.novascotia.com to see why more people from across the globe are moving here.
About the Opportunity
Reporting to the Provincial Lead - Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Intake Service, the Health Care Social Worker position is responsible for facilitation of intake for MHA services. Intake is a provincial program, and the position can be filled at any NSH Intake location in the province, constituent union will be determined upon hire.
This is a provincial centralized telephone access service for Mental Health and Addictions Intake in Nova Scotia. This includes the utilization of appropriate screening tools, risk assessment, clinical triage and disposition, brief supportive counselling and psychoeducation, consultation, and information sharing. The Health Care Social Worker is responsible for facilitation of access into and out of Mental Health & Addiction. The Health Care Social Worker will build working relationships, assist with problem solving and support individuals while they learn to self-navigate the health care system. The Health Care Social Worker reduces barriers that prevent clients from getting treatment/support by identifying client needs and directing them to sources of support. The Health Care Social Worker will provide support and referral to ancillary support services for individuals needing assistance for their mental health and/or substance use/gambling. The Health Care Social Worker will act as a liaison between community resources and MHA and will remain knowledgeable of community resources, as well as Mental Health & Addictions teams and resources to ensure the best care.
About You
We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work is required
- Registration with Nova Scotia College of Social Workers required
- Two years post Bachelor of Social Work in a clinical setting, preferably in a Mental Health capacity
- Experience working with individuals with Mental Health and/or substance use/gambling concerns
- High degree of motivational interviewing skills and engagement techniques
- Experience utilizing screening and triaging tools
- Knowledge of harm reduction strategies and stages of change theory
- Demonstrated awareness of community resources and programs and community development methods
- Demonstrated knowledge of recovery-oriented practice & patient and family-centered care
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid an asset, or committing to complete these courses
- Working knowledge of DSM
- Ability to navigate and de-escalate situations and offer crisis support using appropriate methods when needed
- Demonstrated knowledge of cultural sensitivity and cultural competency
- Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience required. If not available, candidates with less than two (2) years of experience may be considered for the selection process. If offered employment, they will be placed on the Healthcare Social Worker A (Developmental) scale.
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.
Hours
- Permanent, full-time position; 75 hours bi-weekly
Compensation and Benefits
$36.58 - $47.35 Hourly
Healthcare Social Worker A (Developmental)
$34.80 - $43.30 hourly
Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.
Once You've Applied
Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.
Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
