0.4 FTE Social Worker

Position Summary

The Primary Care Social Worker functions as an integral member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, providing psychosocial assessment, counselling, care coordination and advocacy to individuals, families, and groups within a primary care setting. The role supports mental health, health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management across the lifespan, using evidence-informed social work practices to enhance client well‑being and independence. The Social Worker also facilitates access to community resources, contributes to team‑based care planning, maintains clinical documentation, and upholds professional and legislative standards while promoting the mission and values of the organization.

Core Competencies

Patient-Centred Service -Provides welcoming, respectful, and compassionate service to patients and families. Demonstrates empathy, patience, and professionalism in all interactions, including high-stress situations.

Communication Skills -Communicates clearly and professionally in person, by phone, and electronically. Uses plain language and active listening to ensure understanding.

Privacy & Confidentiality -Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

Organizational & Administrative Skills -Manages tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth patient flow and accurate documentation.

Attention to Detail -Ensures accuracy in data entry, patient registration, billing information, and referral documentation.

Technical Proficiency -Demonstrates competence in electronic medical record (EMR) systems, scheduling software, and standard office applications.

Teamwork & Collaboration - Works cooperatively with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff to support coordinated patient care.

Professionalism & Accountability -Maintains punctuality, reliability, demeanor and professional appearance and adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and standards.

Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusion -Provides respectful service to patients of diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conflict Resolution & Emotional Regulation - Handles complaints, distressed patients, or challenging interactions calmly and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Assessment & Intervention

· Conduct psychosocial assessments to support client mental and emotional health.

· Provide individual, couple, family and group counselling using structured evidence‑based approaches, including brief therapy and behaviour‑change strategies.

· Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans for clients with mental health, social, or chronic disease–related needs.

2. Care Navigation & Advocacy

· Assist patients in accessing appropriate health, social, financial, housing, and community resources, acting as a liaison and advocate as needed.

· Support patients through system navigation (e.g., completing forms for OW, ODSP, housing, childcare) and connecting them with relevant programs and supports.

3. Interprofessional Collaboration

· Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff as part of an interdisciplinary primary care team.

· Participate in team meetings, case conferences, program planning, and quality improvement initiatives.

4. Community Partnership & Health Promotion

· Build and maintain strong relationships with community agencies, hospitals, and service organizations to support seamless care.

· Contribute to community education, health promotion, and prevention activities, including group sessions and resource development.

5. Documentation, Ethics & Professional Standards

· Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely clinical records and statistical data in accordance with organizational policies and privacy legislation.

· Practice according to professional standards, relevant legislation, organizational policies, and OCSWSSW guidelines.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

· Master of Social Work (MSW) from a recognized institution.

· Registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Experience

· Minimum 3–5 years of experience in community-based, primary care, mental health, or human services settings.

· Demonstrated experience in psychosocial assessment, counselling, short-term therapy including Cognitive behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and case management.

Performance Expectations

All employees are expected to score at least 50% or higher on the identified Core Competencies and Key Responsibilities for their position. Scores with less than 50% may trigger a performance improvement plan and period of increased support and training.

Compensation & Benefits

· Base Salary – the salary for this position is determined by Ontario Health

· Extended Health Benefits – this position is not eligible for benefits and receives an additional 5.5% of pay in lieu of benefits

· Pension – this position is eligible for participation in HOOPP

Equity, Diversity and & Inclusion Statement

The Fort William Family Health Team is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that values and respects the unique contributions of all employees, patients, and community members. We embrace diversity in all forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, cultural background, and lived experience. Our organization strives to provide culturally safe, accessible, and unbiased healthcare services, and we actively work to remove barriers, address inequities, and create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.