Social Worker MSW, Division of Neurology (0.6 FTE, 1-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, the successful candidate will be supporting the Division of Neurology through a combination of inpatient and outpatient social work with a focus on patients with epilepsy. Patients with chronic neurological conditions are cared for in outpatient clinics and can also require hospitalization for surgical procedures, symptom exacerbation or life-threatening acute episodes.

This social work role consists of completing psychosocial assessments to identify child and family concerns, goals, strengths, and resources in relation to children's and caregivers' physical and mental health; supporting patients and families taking into consideration the families' problem-solving abilities, attitudes, history, culture, supports and resources in relation to the child's illness. The social worker will develop and implement plans of intervention that address coping, adaptation, adherence, and quality of life and integrate research into practice and create, utilize and/or disseminate new knowledge. Collaboration and communication with the health care team is essential.
Neurology social work is part of a larger cluster of social workers so there will be some involvement with the other medical programs in the ward/clinics.

Here's What You'll Get To Do:

• Provide therapeutic intervention to patients and their families in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team and community agencies
• In collaboration with patients and families, work to identify most pressing concerns and develop ways to enhance coping, adaptation, adherence and quality of life
• 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
• Treatment modalities may include individual and family therapy, group work, consultation, case navigation, crisis intervention, community outreach and advocacy
• Assume responsibility for all aspects of social work practice including issues of productivity and utilization
• Practice in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice
• Utilize in-person, telephone, e-mail, 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
• Support families coping through their children's hospital experiences
• 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
• Lead group work for caregivers

Here's What You'll Need:

• A Master's degree in Social Work
• Experience working in a hospital setting preferred
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Experience with neurodiverse populations and an understanding of comorbid mental health conditions
• A deep understanding of the complexity of issues that bring children and families to a pediatric health centre and the psychosocial issues that impact their overall well-being
• Well-developed assessment and intervention skills in child and adult mental health
• Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and experience in the following: brief strengths-based therapy, crisis intervention, behavioral and cognitive therapy (3rd wave CBT approaches an asset)
• Knowledge of the network of community services and resources; an understanding of health care delivery systems and the practice of social work in a secondary setting is also important
• Strong communication skills and confidence in social work scope of practice and articulating this within a health care setting
• Commitment to remain abreast of current literature and relevant developments in clinical practice
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, time management skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to function as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team
• Experience with child protection
• Ability to effectively deal with conflict
• 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
• Understanding and commitment to EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) informed practices
• Proficiency in the use of electronic platforms such as Microsoft Office, hospital documentation systems and other relevant technology

Employment Type:

0.6 FTE (22.5 hrs/week), 1-year contract with modified benefits

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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