Jordan's Principle Social Worker

Position Summary:

Jordan’s Principle is a child first and needs based principle that applies equally to all First Nations children residing on and off reserve. It ensures there is no denial or delay for First Nations Children in receiving essential public services that are available to all other children. St.Amant embraces the goal of Jordan’s Principle to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to the health and social services they need in their community. We are currently recruiting a Social Worker to support this initiative. This position is based in Winnipeg with regular travel by car, plane or boat to indigenous communities throughout Manitoba. Travel may involve over-night stays in assigned northern communities or longer days.

Qualifications:

Educational:

Must possess a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree from an accredited university

Professional:

• Must be eligible for and maintain registration with the Manitoba College of Social Workers including meeting all prescribed continuing education requirements of the profession
• A minimum of 2 years social work experience in the area of developmental disabilities is preferred and is an asset

Clinical:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using a family-centered model of service provision
• Knowledge of the history of services to people with disabilities, current trends, philosophies and practices concerning their care, education and lifestyles
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with children and families and experience working in the area of developmental disabilities/mental disabilities
• Knowledge and ability to function within the legislation pertinent to practice, including CFS Act, Vulnerable Persons Legislation, and PHIA NVCI, CPR, and First Aid are assets
• Expertise in conducting social/family assessments using an ecological framework and family-centered approach
• Knowledge of psychosocial and environmental factors involved in chronic disability which may impact family functioning or adjustment, and the ability to define appropriate intervention strategies
• Knowledge of child development, family relationships and dynamics
• Knowledge of Manitoba Guidelines for Identification and Reporting Abuse (CFS Act / Vulnerable Persons Living with Disabilities Act)
• Ability to prepare an intervention, contract with individuals and families, appropriately assist in goal definition, engage in problem solving processes, focus on client strengths, restructure or access appropriate supports, define time frames and plan for transition
• Ability to form appropriate professional/trust relationship with clients
• Demonstrated counseling skills including supportive, adjustment, and crisis counseling
• Ability to identify high risk situations and respond appropriately
• Working knowledge of service systems and ability to creatively access or develop informal and formal supports or resources
• Ability to document plans and interventions accurately and in a timely manner, using standardized program protocol and formats
• Ability to communicate openly and appropriately using positive interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledgeable of the dynamics inherent in the client-worker relationship and skillful in preparing for transition and in determining the nature of support required upon termination
• Ability to develop and conduct specialized group interventions and to document benefits and outcomes
• Ability to organize, chair and conduct meetings
• Ability to understand, support and practice interdisciplinary teamwork in order to provide services in the clinical, educational or living milieu of the person with a developmental disability
• Ability to maintain an active case-load, providing assessment, service plan development, intervention planning/implementation and service outcome evaluation
• Ability to work within direct, mediated and consultative models of practice
• Understand own clinical limitations and seek support and consultation for clinical activities so as to do “no harm”
• Able to effectively prioritize, structure and manage scheduling caseload(s) to achieve targeted outcomes

Personal:

• Ability to demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Mission and Values of St.Amant
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide education and training in public forums
• Knowledgeable of the concepts of Quality Improvement (QI) and ability to implement services consistent with these concepts in a complex environment
• Positive, energetic, self directed and client-focused
• Ability to model cooperative teamwork, conflict resolution and process improvement
• Ability to work harmoniously and contribute to effective employee relationships
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours as necessary
• Must possess a valid Manitoba driver’s license and have access to a vehicle
  
• Ability to work in a Microsoft Office environment
• Possess emotional stability
• Project a professional image
• Possess the physical ability to perform the duties of the position
  

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Social Worker is responsible for the provision of services, ensuring the adherence to policies and practices of St.Amant, and to the requirements of the regulatory bodies. Services are individualized to the needs of each client/family, and direct clinical and consultative services to clients, families or family supports are offered by the Social Worker. Social Workers may work within St.Amant’s River Road Place, or work with clients in the community.

Client Care Management:
The Social Worker is directed toward family empowerment, is cognizant of the individual needs of each family member, and recognizes that they are part of a much broader community and social system. The Social Worker will complete social assessments, and determine the needs of the individual/client. In some cases, the Social Worker may also work on specific goals with the family, while monitoring their outcomes.

Duties include:

• ​Provides social assessments using an ecological framework and family-centered model within program standards and guidelines in order to facilitate and develop plans which specify goals and outcomes
• Documents and maintains client files/health care records and provides reports in a format consistent with program protocol and timelines
• When appropriate, coordinates the intake or admission process to River Road Place and/or other St.Amant Programs or Services
• Empowers families to develop formal and informal supports to facilitate the most effective and efficient utilization of resources and to enhance coping skills; assists and enables families to develop informal support networks, circle of friends, or peer/parent networks
• Recognizes and prioritizes high-risk indicators or potentially abusive situations; reports and documents all high risk or potentially high risk situations according to policy and legislation, proceeds with intervention or follows up to prevent further occurrences
• Provides education or information, verbal and/or written, with respect to services and resources
• When appropriate, provides training to individuals, families and care providers in areas identified through the assessment process
• Provides counseling or refer to appropriate counseling resources if required
• Facilitates groups in response to identified need
• Coordinates/facilitates the resolution process related to family concerns or dissatisfaction and provides mediation and conciliation services
• Schedules and conducts regular reviews with the family and case managers
• Participates as needed in team meetings or service review meetings; ensure that a service plan and timelines are specified for clinical intervention
• If assigned to an individual living at RRP, the Social Worker is responsible for initiating Age of Majority planning as the individual approaches adulthood
• Ensures that a transition plan is identified, that timelines are specified, and that the family is transitioned appropriately on termination of services
• Encourages the involvement of stakeholders, including direct care giver and family members (where applicable), in the assessment and intervention process
• Consults effectively with other supports and services to ensure coordination of planning
• Ensures clinical outcomes are monitored, documented and shared appropriately and effectively
• Develops clinical specialties/competencies in accordance with priority needs of the clients
• Incorporates a research (evaluation) framework within the delivery of all services
• Acts as a Commissioner of Oath as required

The above information is intended to describe the general nature of this position and is not considered to be a complete statement of duties and responsibilities. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned provided they are consistent with the qualifications identified and fall within the parameters of this role.

This is a preference competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however preference will be given to Indigenous candidates. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-declare in their attached cover letter.

Clinicians working with the Jordan’s Principle program are required to travel to various locations across Manitoba. Some of these locations are in remote communities. If staying overnight in a remote community is required, Clinicians would be eligible for travel incentives.

St.Amant is a bilingual organization. Proficiency in both official languages (French/English) would be considered an asset.

St.Amant supports equitable employment practices and promotes an inclusive workforce representative of the people we support including diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Applicants can request reasonable accommodations in all aspects of the selection and hiring process.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, Adult Abuse Registry Check, Child Abuse Registry Check and Prior Contact Check.

As a Condition of Employment, new hires must complete a series of Occupational Health checks. This includes the requirement to confirm immunization or immunity of specific communicable diseases. Successful applicants will also be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to start date.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health & Dental Plans, Life Insurance Plans, Long Term Disability, Employer Paid-Employee Assistance Plan, and Employer-Matched Pension Plan.