Social Worker, AIS

The Opportunity

Accountable to the Manager of Adolescent Intensive Services, the Social Worker works with adolescents and families as part of an inter-disciplinary treatment team.  The Social Worker will work with youth and families from a multi-systemic framework approach based on attachment principles.  This is done in accordance with the mission, philosophies and vision of the IWK Health Centre.  Interventions and follow up may be provided on a direct, consultative or supervisory monitoring approach.  Responsibilities include clinical work with youth and their families, providing both individual and family therapy as well as delivering group-based interventions.

The Mental Health and Addictions Program at the IWK Health Centre provides a full spectrum of mental health and addictions services that includes mental health addictions, day treatment and inpatient services of children and adolescents, acute inpatient hospital care and forensics.  The Adolescent Intensive Services (AIS) Program has both ambulatory and non-acute inpatient services for adolescents aged 13 up to 19 years old with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.  The youth admitted to the non-acute inpatient services attend day services with AIS Day Treatment.  Ambulatory Services include AIS Day Service and AIS Aftercare Service.  Day Services means that the patient attends programming Monday to Friday and participates in therapeutic school, individual family and group-based interventions that target their treatment goals.  Services at AIS include two phases of treatment (onsite and community) that span approximately six to seven months combined.

The successful candidate will require solid training and experience with a variety of mental health populations, and must have the capacity to adapt well to new clinical demands, work collaboratively with interprofessional teams, and have excellent leadership skills.

Hours of Work

7.5 hours per day, 5 days per week Monday to Friday – occasional evenings if necessary.

Your Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Social Work required.
• Registered, or eligible to be registered/licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) required.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in Mental Health and Addictions treatment required; preference for experience working with adolescents and their families.
• Experience in individual, family and group therapy required.
• Previous experience in a combination of the following considered an asset:  CONNECT Model; child welfare; addictions; trauma.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with DSM 5 diagnostic classification system.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple competing workload demands.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication (verbal & written) skills required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development, cultural competence and a strong understanding of how the social determinants of health impact on mental/physical health.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively consult and bridge care with other health, social service and community agencies.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflicts resolution skills.
• Demonstrated awareness of IWK Health Centre and community resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient and family centred care required.
• Non-violent crisis intervention certification required.
• An understanding of the Choice and Partnership approach (CAPA) will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team providing intensive-based care.
• Demonstrated experience in case management and community liaison.
• Competencies in other languages an asset.