Social Worker, Renal (BSW)

Detailed Overview

Reporting clinically to the Professional Practice Chief, Social Work and administratively to the Manager, Health Services, works in interdisciplinary environment by providing psycho-social assessments and treatment for clients and families in the Renal Program in order to maintain and improve upon the client's quality of life.

Responsibilities Performs psycho-social assessments and formulates an appropriate treatment plan by reviewing referral, gathering information about the client / significant others with respect to social, emotional, cultural, response to illness, coping abilities, environmental and financial situation.

• Provides clinical and ongoing supportive counselling services to clients / significant others regarding identified problems, adjustment to illness, personal concerns, lifestyle changes, treatment objectives, withdrawal from treatment and bereavement counselling as required;
• completes written report for inclusion into the client's health record. Provides education services to individual, couples, family or groups to assist them in dealing with the psycho-social implications of the treatment modalities and to assist with dealing with the impact on lifestyle changes;

organizes and coordinates a peer support program for assigned clients. Provides consultative and direct services to clients, families and staff regarding community and rehabilitation services / resources and access to these resources to assist them with financial, vocational, transportation, child care and accommodation concerns.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, provides information regarding clients' psycho-social situation and participates in developing a comprehensive plan of care with / for the client.

Participates in quality improvement activities by providing input into the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental and program goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

Prepares statistics, in accordance with the workload measurement system, for submission to designated personnel. Participates in department or program sponsored research through various methods such as literature searches, administering surveys and analyzing data as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an approved school of Social Work.

Two years' recent related clinical experience working with clients in an acute care and / or community health care environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers. Valid BC Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes.

Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of systems theory Ability to apply systems theory to practice, social work assessment and intervention Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing Fully developed listening and information gathering skills that promotes communication Ability to lead and apply a cooperative approach to problem solving within an interdisciplinary setting Comprehensive knowledge of developmental stages in the individual and family life cycle of psychosocial issues that may occur in response to changing health and dependency needs Ability to establish rapport with clients and family members in order to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concerns Ability to organize and prioritize work Ability to operate related equipment including related software applications Physical ability to perform the duties of the position