BCFHTSW

Job Description

The Barrie & Community Family Health Team (BCFHT) is one of the largest family health teams in Ontario. We are comprised of Physicians, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Dietitians, Pharmacists, Diabetes and Respiratory Educators, Mental Health Counsellors, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Foot Care Nurse and an Administrative team. Our Team is focused on improving access to comprehensive, patient-centered, team-based primary health care, which supports self-management, emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, and enhances the management of individuals with chronic diseases through programs that are well linked with other local and community services.

The BCFHT is currently searching for a:

Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
0.6 FTE – (0.2 Contract & 0.4 Permanent)

The BCFHT has an immediate opportunity for a Social Worker/Psychotherapist to work within our School Success Program. In the School Success Program, care is provided through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach, including social work/psychotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy, physician, and pediatrician support. The Social Worker/Psychotherapist, through planning, assessment, counselling, and care coordination, will be a key player in assisting children (and families) struggling in school and referred to the School Success program. They will also establish vital communication pathways and connections between patients, family physicians, specialists, schools and other community resources. This position offers a unique opportunity for someone who thrives on challenges and enjoys working with complex populations. As part of the interdisciplinary Team, the Social Worker/Psychotherapist collaborates with patients and families to improve health and quality of life, enhance independence, and function, and facilitate long-term planning. As part of the Team, the Social Worker/Psychotherapist is responsible for collaborating with BCFHT employees and physicians to enhance and provide essential patient care to community members and effectively navigate community health care support services.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive mental health interventions and therapy designed to address mental health needs in a primary care context
• Independently complete psychosocial assessments of the patient and family members/caregiver (when appropriate) and provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention and treatment plans that address and support the patients/family members/caregiver issues, strengths, and challenges
• Implement various goal-oriented, time-limited consultations and provide supportive counseling strategies with a wide variety of individuals from various social, economic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds
• Participate in clinical case conferences and communicate appropriate patient information within the circle of care
• Establish and maintain regular effective therapeutic relationships with patients and their families
• Understand the program needs and provide individual, group, and/or family/caregiver supportive counseling, and assists with the coordination of services, as required
• Demonstrate involvement of the patient/family/caregiver in developing and implementing treatment plans that are realistic, achievable, and understandable through documentation and clinical practice excellence
• Act as a navigator of the community support system and is engaged in client advocacy - is knowledgeable about community resources and makes appropriate referrals to community and other government agencies to achieve successful patient outcomes
• Collaborate, in an interdisciplinary team, to plan, implement, and evaluate social work/psychotherapy services
• Maintains strong professional and collegial relations with colleagues, networks, organizations, and other related service providers
• Provide education to colleagues and group facilitation to patients, as requested
Education / Qualifications / Skills

• Degree in Social Work from an accredited university (BSW) or equivalent, Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) preferred;
• Minimum 5 years related/applicable experience (current) in a community/primary health care setting preferred
• Must have current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers/College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario
• Exceptional knowledge of mental illness, addictions, and medications as well as current experience working with children, caregivers, and families
• Knowledge of polyvagal theory, attachment theory & peaceful parenting an asset
• A solid understanding of current and best-practice social work/psychotherapist guidelines and practices
• Knowledge of client-centered philosophy, basic principles and practices of community service delivery and short-term treatment options
• Strong assessment, planning, teaching, counseling and risk assessment skill sets
• Anticipates crises and applies crisis theory during crisis situations as appropriate. Use of appropriate skills and resources to intervene with aggressive behaviour and suicidal behaviour to maintain safety for all individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Ability to work well independently, with confidence
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills
• Strong technological skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with electronic medical records an asset (Accuro preferred)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) are required
• Excellent organizational and time management skills are required