Medical Social Worker

KEY FUNCTION:
The Medical Social Worker (MSW) – Generalist will provide comprehensive social work services
to patients and their families within a hospital setting. The MSW will address psychosocial
needs, offer counseling, support discharge planning, and coordinate with healthcare
professionals to ensure holistic patient care. This role involves working with diverse patient
populations, addressing a variety of health-related issues, and promoting overall well-being.
REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Manager, Patient Care Clinical Services.

DUTIES:
1. Patient Assessment and Counseling:
• Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ psychosocial needs.
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling to support patients and their families
through illness, hospitalization, and post-discharge.
2. Discharge Planning:
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement comprehensive
discharge plans.
• Ensure patients have access to necessary community resources, home care services,
and follow-up medical appointments.
3. Crisis Intervention:
• Respond to urgent situations involving patients and families in distress.
• Provide immediate support and develop strategies to address acute psychosocial issues.
4. Resource Coordination:
• Identify and connect patients with appropriate community resources, including financial
assistance, housing, transportation, and social support services.
• Advocate on behalf of patients to secure needed resources and services.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
• Work closely with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to
ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans and progress.

JOB DESCRIPTION
6. Education and Advocacy:
• Educate patients and families about their conditions, treatment options, and available
resources.
• Advocate for patients’ rights and well-being within the healthcare system and the
community.
7. Documentation and Compliance:
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and
progress.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards in
social work practice.
8. Professional Development:
• Stay current with developments in social work and healthcare by attending training
sessions, workshops, and conferences.
• Participate in hospital in-service training programs and contribute to staff education.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
2. Membership in Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and certification by Ontario
College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in a hospital.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of, and willingness to support SJGHEL’s Mission, Vision & Values of
Compassion, Humility and Harmony, Respect, Integrity, Social Responsibility and
The Sacredness of Life.
2. Strong knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices.
3. Demonstrated superior time management, prioritization, organization, critical thinking,
and problem-solving skills.
4. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
5. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
6. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
7. Demonstrated ability to utilize process improvement methodology to effectively mapout existing processes and analyze their effectiveness.
8. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure
success and continue improvement.
9. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with all stakeholders.
10. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
with the ability to articulate business issues to finance and non-finance audiences.

JOB DESCRIPTION
PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Ability to develop partnerships and collaborative processes across the organization.
2. Demonstrated ability to take appropriate action to resolve workplace related issues and
problems.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
5. Demonstrated positive work record and excellent attendance record.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to travel between local sites.

OTHER:
1. Bilingualism is an asset