Health Care Social Worker B (BSW) - Primary Health Care

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, Chronic Disease Management and Wellness, Primary Health Care, the Social Worker (BSW) is a member of a collaborative interprofessional team or teams and plays an important role in the delivery of Primary Health Care. The Social Worker takes a participatory approach, designed to optimize health gains, to screening, assessment, counselling, supporting chronic disease distress, group facilitation, navigation, care planning and advocacy. Motivational interviewing and brief solution focused questions are standard approaches. Scope of role includes knowledge of community based services and referral to appropriate programs/services in the community including, but not limited to Community Services and community based mental health services. The Social Worker liaises with other programs and services and develops extensive relationship building and bridging with both internal and external to Nova Scotia Health programs and services.
 
The collaborative family practice team works together to develop and deliver services to the entire population in the community cluster, including outreach to remote areas and services to meet the needs of priority populations. This position requires work at multiple sites and travel between various community locations throughout the area. As well, the social worker will link with, and in some cases collaborate with, collaborative family practice teams integrated wellness and chronic disease programs and services offered by primary health care and others in the community health network.
 
The Social Worker exhibits sound professional judgment and initiative while working within the Mission, Vision and Strategic Directions of Nova Scotia Health. 

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited and approved School of Social Work/University Program
• Current registration (or eligibility for registration) and a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers
• Minimum two years of experience as a registered Social Worker, preferably within a community based health-care setting; if no applicants meet the two-year experience required, applicants with less than two years' experience may be considered.
• Recent, relevant experience working with community agencies/resources, volunteers and support groups
• Demonstrated ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments (clinical and diagnostic reasoning), interviewing and client-centered problem solving, care planning, case management, evaluation of client competence in self-care and other relation outcomes in a Primary Health Care environment
• Ability to organize and maintain client health records within an EMR including continuous learning around EMR functionalities considered an asset
• Understanding of or willingness to learn health coaching techniques and interventions, including brief and short-term solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing, within the timeframe prescribed on commencement of position
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, public, community partners, primary care team members and other professionals and agencies using verbal, written and computer communication means
• Exhibits characteristics of warmth, empathy, humor, and a non-judgmental philosophy of care
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills within scope of practice including clinical judgment and problem-solving skills and the ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve effectively
• Demonstrated strong ethical standards and a commitment to professional development and life-long learning

About you cont.

• Experience in support and counseling for chronic disease management distress is an asset
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, reconciliation and accessibility
• Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for and with clients and significant others, sensitive to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns Strong understanding of health promotion, population health, and the determinants of health theory and practice
• Ability to transmit information grounded in behavior change and principals of self-management intended to instruct clients and others about topics essential to health care and well-being
• Manages time and resources, implementing activities to promote cooperation among relevant others, collaboration across disciplines and related activities
• Demonstrated ability in applying new and innovative technologies and strategies for education and patient counselling.
• Experience facilitating education programs and group meetings
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Programs, including Outlook
• Valid driver's license and/or access to reliable transportation required
• Traveling between sites within the local network and to meetings in other localities as required
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred. Ability to work with language agency to deliver care to patients in other languages is considered an asset

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. 
• Shifts include days, nights and weekends (or other specific hours of shifts)
• Travel to various sites may be required

Compensation and Incentives

$33.97 - $42.89Hourly

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.