Social Worker

Life at Kensington Health

At Kensington Health, we are proud to have built a community where people can bring their full selves to work. As a not-for-profit, we believe in the work we do every day. It's what motivates us, inspires, and propels our bold vision forward: a better life for everyone.

Diversity is at the heart of who we are and at Kensington, we celebrate our differences, knowing that creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces in healthcare strengthens our bold vision: building a better life for everyone. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are guided by our DEI Strategy as we continuously strive to offer equal opportunities for all.

Our people are what make Kensington Health such a special place to work, learn, and grow and delivering exceptional health care to our community – and beyond – is what keeps people here for years. Interested in reimagining community-delivered care with us? Check out our open roles!

Kensington Health Perks

• Generous benefits package that includes employer-paid health plan and vacation.

• Free, confidential mental health and wellness support services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Located near the vibrant and diverse Kensington Market neighbourhood, boasting a 99 Walk Score & 97 Public Transit Score.

• An environment that supports and fosters healthy work-life balance.

Program

This role is within the Long-Term Care, Hospice and Community Services portfolio with the primary assignment of supporting the in-residence hospice. Kensington Hospice is a 19-bed hospice residence located in the heart of the Kensington community in downtown Toronto. The Kensington Hospice supports individuals who are living with life-limiting illness and their caregivers by providing interdisciplinary care. It is the largest free-standing hospice in Toronto. Kensington Hospice strives to provide programs and services that are equitable and accessible to individuals who are structurally vulnerable.

Job Overview

The Social Worker will be primarily assigned to the Kensington Hospice. The Social Worker will play a pivotal role in providing compassionate and equitable support to residents' families and caregivers at the end-of-life. As a key member on the interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker will conduct psychosocial assessments, develop individualized care plans, support advance care planning, and offer supporting counselling to address emotional, social, and practical needs. The Social Worker will be dedicated to enhancing quality of life by supporting the clinical needs of residents while also supporting quality, practice, education and research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to evaluate patients' and families' emotional, social, and practical needs.

• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to address identified needs and goals.

• Provide supportive counseling and therapeutic interventions to patients and families dealing with end-of-life issues, grief, and loss.

• Offer education and guidance to patients and families on coping strategies, advance care planning, and accessing community resources.

• Facilitate family meetings and support groups to promote communication, understanding, and emotional well-being.

• Advocate for residents' rights and preferences while respecting cultural, spiritual, and ethical beliefs.

• Coordinate care transitions and facilitate discharge planning to ensure continuity of care among healthcare providers and community agencies.

• Compassionate, equitable, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approach to care.

• Currency in research, best practices, and regulatory changes in hospice and palliative care to inform practice and promote continuous quality improvement.

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to continued learning around the role of cultural safety, trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice, and social justice in providing equitable care.

• Proficiency in documenting resident interactions in Point Click Care and maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Teams and Excel).

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, residents, families, and caregivers.

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Proven ability to prioritize duties and meet organizational goals.

• Proven ability to manage multiple demands and stressful situations.

• Committed to continuous education and learning.

• Demonstrated good attendance and performance records with the ability to maintain these same standards.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years experience working in a community-based palliative care or hospice setting

• Knowledge of relevant regulations and ethical standards related to Social Work practice in healthcare settings.

• Experience in crisis intervention, grief and loss, counselling, and facilitating support groups.

• Experience in supporting quality improvement initiatives and research.

Required Professional Designation/Certificate:

• Minimum Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.

• Current licensure with good standing or eligibility for licensure as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with OCSWSSW.

Kensington Health is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from equity seeking groups. Kensington Health is committed to providing reasonable accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.