Position: Social Worker, Creekside Withdrawal Management Centre, Rapid Access & Addictions Clinic (RAAC)
Location: Halifax South
Reporting to the Coordinator, Creekside Withdrawal Management Centre, the Social Worker, Creekside RAAC ensures linkage between clients of the RAAC and other programs and services such as substance use counselling and treatment resources, Ministry of Social Development (MSD), housing and other community resources. This position provides program-wide support to assess and determine referral needs, liaise with community resources, formulate and implement treatment plans, provide case consultation and follow-up support in collaboration with Creekside RAAC clinical team.

The Social Worker is expected to engage the client and their support systems as people with full competence and as full collaborators in developing their recovery plan. Contributes to the collation of data analytics.
Provides direct professional services by conducting social work assessment... focusing on the family, social, emotional and cultural needs of the clients; provides brief intervention/short term counselling and psycho-education.
Works with other team members to screen referrals and assess participants; participates in the admission, discharge and transfer of program participants.
Facilitates clients' utilization of appropriate community services and rehabilitative programs (such as alcohol and drug treatment, vocational programs, Mental Health Centres, residential treatment resources, housing, community groups, Psychiatrists etc.) by performing duties such as researching available services, liaising with these agencies, providing related advice and consultation to clients and staff. Maintains client records and statistics, prepares reports, and completes forms as required, in accordance with regional policies and standards, including clinical record standards of Mental Health & Substance Use Services.

Obtains consent forms for release of client information.
Advocates on behalf of clients, by performing duties such as providing clients with information about benefits such as income assistance, MSP, Plan G, tenant rights, appeal processes and assisting clients to complete forms.
Provides education to clients and staff and other agencies, regarding community mental health and substance use programs.
Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for assigned area by performing duties such as participating in quality initiatives, providing feedback to the Coordinator about needs and gaps in programs and services, and suggesting solutions to improve the linkage and collaboration between RAAC and other services.
Participates in ongoing education to maintain current and relevant practice, including clinical education, as well as maintaining current knowledge of relevant Federal and Provincial legislation and amendments that impact mental health and substance use care and service delivery.
Participates in student education by providing guidance and input to current and potential social work students.
Performs outreach as well as other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an recognized educational institution, plus one year of recent, related experience in the field of mental health and substance use. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers.
Valid B.C. Driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.
Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approach; concurrent disorders; addictions and addictions counselling.
Knowledge of relevant legislation.
In-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners to inform the referral process.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing within a diverse and multicultural community.

Ability to work effectively with individuals, groups, and interdisciplinary professionals through understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, organize, implement, evaluate and problem-solve, and organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
Proficiency in the use of personal computers, including related word processing and database management software applications.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while seeking the appropriate level of consultation and approval from the Coordinator.
Knowledge of community resources and methods of accessing them.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
Halifax NS

Salary Criteria