Social Worker, Hepatitis C

About this position

External Job Posting

Carea Community Health Centre currently has an opening for a full-time Social Worker on our Hepatitis C team.

Position Title:  Social Worker, Hepatitis C

Posting deadline: This posting will remain open until the position has been filled.

Employment Status: Permanent, Full-time

Hours of Work/Schedule:  Monday to Friday, 35 Hours (One evening per week)

Benefits:  Extended medical and dental, HOOPP participation

Position Reports To:  Manager, Clinical Services

Primary Work Location: Oshawa (may be required to work remotely and at other Carea sites and remote/partner sites).

Salary Range: Annual salary $56,798 - $61,380.  Commensurate on skills and experience

Organization – Quick Overview

Carea Community Health Centre is a recognized leader in redefining the experience of community-based health and wellness services.  We provide access to high quality holistic and inclusive care that is responsive to the needs of the community and empowers individuals to enhance their own well-being. 

Hepatitis C Team Overview

At Carea, members of the Hepatitis C Team Program work collaboratively to provide seamless, inter-professional care and treatment for clients who are at risk of acquiring Hepatitis C (HCV), or for those clients who are already living with HCV.  The HCV Team offers clients’ comprehensive medical treatment and psychosocial support while consulting with a client’s treating Physician.  The HCV Team has three primary objectives: (1) to increase access to HCV care and treatment for priority populations in our region, (2) to increase knowledge and awareness to prevent the transmission of HCV among priority populations and (3) to increase collaboration, coordination and evidence-based practice among the many other community partners who are addressing the needs of people with HCV in our region.  The “priority populations” in our region include people who use drugs, people who are involved with the correctional system, people who are homeless or under-housed, Aboriginal People, street-involved youth and people with tattoos and/or piercings acquired in an unregulated premise.  Evidence shows that the rate of Hepatitis C treatment initiation is increased in the presence of an inter-professional approach.

Position Overview

Working as a member of the Hepatitis C Team Program, the Social Worker will provide a range of interventions to assist people living with HCV to cope with their chronic illness, social difficulties, and side effects of treatment. This will include counselling, psycho-social assessments, consultation, education, and advocacy functions for clients and families/supports, as well as educational services for staff and/or volunteers, as required.   The Social Worker will provide counselling services where the focus is on the provision of information, advice-giving, encouragement and instruction […] (Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council [HPRAC], 2006, 208).  The Social Worker may also refer clients who are needing primary care to Carea’s Medical Services Team (MST) or for psychotherapy to Carea’s Counselling Services Team (CST).

The Social Worker will be an effective, collaborative member of the Hepatitis C Team and with Carea’s other inter-professional Clinical Services, Health Promotion and Community Development teams as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Services:

• Ensures that appropriate treatment plans are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
• Develops and hosts support groups.
• Monitors client progress – includes evaluation of, and adjustments to treatment plan, maintains supportive relationship with the client and family members links to and coordinates required services while coordinating client care.
• Participates as an active member of the inter-professional team in regular client conferences. The purpose of such conferences is to ensure regular communication between client and care team members regarding the needs of the client, provide a forum for discussion of possible resolutions to client care issues and to provide opportunity to initiate improvements in the quality of service provided to the client.
• Acts as a clinical resource consultant to staff regarding care issues and participates with the inter-professional team in care planning.
• Serve as a guarantor on applications for Ontario birth certificates, in accordance with the regulation made under the Ontario Vital Statistics Act.
• Complete the Activities of Daily Living Index in the Disability Determination Package in accordance and with the regulation made under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.
• Participates on committees and working groups within the facility as requested.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Interest and ability to participate in research projects and education programs.
• Maintains a current knowledge of community resources for clients who are at risk of acquiring Hepatitis C (HCV), or for those clients who are already living with HCV within the priority populations described above.
• Participates in Continuing Competence Program (CCP) as required by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Administration:

• Ensures that required Social Work and agency documentation is completed and available in the client’s health record in a timely manner that meets professional OCSWSSW Social Work Standards of Practice.
• Performs administrative tasks related to the position which includes activities such as time planning, documentation, report preparation and other duties, as required.
• Participates in regular program review with a continuous Quality Improvement (QI) focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree is preferred. An undergraduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university will also be considered.
• Post-grad certificate in Mental Health and Addictions is an asset.
• Must be a current member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or eligibility for membership with designate College.
• Minimum of 3-years counselling experience on an adult mental health care team and working in a community setting.
• Knowledge of policies, legislation, programs, and issues related to area of practice.
• Excellent assessment skills and sound clinical judgement.
• Ability to understand and apply principles of crisis and suicide intervention (e.g. ASIST certification and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (basic and advanced) are assets.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of Hepatitis C, Harm Reduction principles, mental health and addictions.
• Strong knowledge of the social determinants of health and issues that affect marginalized communities
• Must have demonstrated competence in clinical skills, including psychosocial assessments, counseling intervention, and ability to work within an inter-professional team approach.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with professional and non-professional staff and clients
• Must have excellent organizational and professional skills

Minimum Key Attributes include:  Service-oriented, Collaborative, Team Player, Results-oriented, Accountable, Initiative-taking, Flexible, Adaptable, Collaborative, Effective Communication Skills (e.g. Active Listening), Ability to manage risk within one’s responsibility and accountability.  Role-specific attributes:  Conceptual thinker; good Emotional Intelligence (EI), Efficient, Organized, Attention to Detail, Creative and Innovative Thinker, Problem-Solving skills, Crisis Management Skills, Empathic.

Application Process:

1. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and expectations by email to recruiting@careachc.ca  .  This posting will remain open until the position has been filled.
2. While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for interview will be contacted. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration.
3. All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
4. All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre-employment conditions for all external hires:  Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening).

Carea Community Health Centre is committed to complying with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations please contact Human Resources at 905-723-0036, or by email to recruiting@careachc.ca . Carea Community Health Centre, and staff are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes diversity.