Social Worker - Hemodialysis - Regular Full-time 2024-10901

Summary of Duties

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled social worker to join our Nephrology Program, providing social work services to patients in the specialized outpatient Glomerulonephritis (GN) Clinic, Multi Care Kidney Clinic (MCKC) and on the In-Center Hemodialysis (IHD) unit. This role requires an individual who is comfortable working across two locations, which are down the street from one another – the CNIB (1929 Bayview Avenue) and Sunnybrook Hospital (2075 Bayview Avenue). Additionally, the social worker will provide inpatient coverage during vacation absences on the D2 Nephrology Ward throughout the year as needed.

The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with both the social work team and various inter-professional teams, to provide a full range of social work services to patients living with complex kidney diseases throughout the continuum of care at an advanced level.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following: psychosocial assessments, counselling and emotional support, crisis intervention services (to patients and their families/caregivers experiencing acute emotional distress or urgent psychosocial needs), patient education and advocacy, care coordination and discharge planning, case management, resource navigation and end-of-life and advance care planning.

Qualifications/Skills

• Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree required
• Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working as an MSW in a hospital environment (nephrology experience with a focus on patients with GN is considered a strong asset)
• Patient peer group facilitation experience is also considered an asset
• Experience with evidence-based therapeutic modalities (such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing) is considered a strong asset
• Experience with family planning, fertility, high risk pregnancy, grief and loss also considered an asset
• Skilled in comprehensive psychosocial assessment
• Strong counselling and psychoeducation skills
• Comfort with significant emotions, emotional regulation, grief and suicide risk assessment
• Interest in chronic health and disease management (supporting health engagement and treatment adherence)
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large caseload and reprioritize as needs arise
• Experience with diverse populations
• Experience effectively working on inter-professional/ multi-disciplinary teams required
• Knowledge of the healthcare system and experience navigating resources in the community
• Strong patient advocacy skills
• Commitment to Person Centered Care Best Practices
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organization skills
• Superior ability to work independently and within a team
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to student education