Job Description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Dual Diagnosis Transitional Rehabilitation Housing Program and Outreach Service provides services for people with developmental disabilities and concurrent mental health disorders who are in the Forensic system or at risk of entering the forensic system.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Social Worker - RSW provides quality social work services congruent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
In collaboration with the Ministry of Community and Social Services and a designated housing provider, the Social Worker is instrumental in facilitating communication between the housing facility and the hospital; and coordinating the processes required to provide education and consultation to assist Developmental Sector agencies to work with and risk manage persons at risk of involvement in the justice system. The Social Worker will also be involved in the evaluation of this new initiative as well as participating in research generated by this new model, as appropriate.
A key responsibility involves supporting individuals transitioning from forensic inpatient care to community living. This includes working directly in community settings to foster therapeutic environments, conducting structured assessments, preparing clinical reports.
The role also includes collaboration with the Developmental Services sector to consult on cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities who are at risk of criminal justice involvement. Responsibilities include providing education and training, strengthening community partnerships, and offering case-specific consultation through our interprofessional Dual Diagnosis Forensic Outreach team.
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's of Social Work from an accredited University required; Masters of Social Work from an accredited University preferred.
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers required.
• Membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers preferred.
• One-year recent related clinical experience with mental health client population and clinical setting preferred.
• Maintains current working knowledge of relevant legislation, including: Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act, Public Hospitals Act, Long Term Care Act, Child and Family Services Act, PHIPA, and Excellent Care for All Act.
• Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and as an independent professional
• Maintains expertise in social work and evidence-based best practices which includes: family/individual and group treatment modalities, case management, crisis intervention, and discharge planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with mental health client populations served.
• Demonstrated knowledge in application of screening tools (ie. Admission and Discharge Assessment Tool (ADAT)).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an inter-professional team with exceptional interpersonal, advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional critical thinking and creative problem solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient computer skills for report writing assessments word processing, workload measurement, and access to information.

Forensic Dual Diagnosis Psychiatry Program-specific Qualifications:

• Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered individuals.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment tools (i.e. HARM/AIS).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.
• Demonstrated knowlege and experience in program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Developmental Service Sector in the Region
• Demonstrated expertise in knowledge translation, including the ability to synthesize research and clinical data into actionable strategies that inform practice, policy, and program development
• Proven experience in intersectoral collaboration, working effectively across disciplines, organizations, and systems to support integrated care and shared outcomes.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to deliver consultation and assessment services to community partners and at-risk populations, supporting integrated care and community-based interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and triage referrals from both community and inpatient partners, ensuring timely and appropriate service coordination and response to client needs.
• Commitment to engaging in direct and indirect advocacy to address systemic barriers impacting the rehabilitation of forensic patients with dual diagnoses, with a focus on promoting equitable access to care and recovery-oriented outcomes

HOURS OF WORK:
Monday to Friday; days
St. Joe's fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.

Skills Required