Social Worker

Title: Reports to:

Social Worker Executive Director

Classification: Date:

Full-Time Contract, 12-18 month Maternity Leave October 22, 2026

30 Hours per Week

Posting Deadline:

November 10, 2026

Summary/Objective:

The Social Worker provides comprehensive supportive counselling, psychosocial support, education and information to those who have experienced the death of a loved one whose grief needs are identified as complex. The Social Worker also provides supportive counselling to caregivers and individuals living with life-limiting illness in the Visiting Hospice Program, as needed. The Social Worker will support both the Visiting Hospice Program and the Bereavement Program with program development and implementation, as needs are identified in the community. The Social Worker will also take the lead in maintaining compliance with HPCO Accreditation standards in the Visiting Program and achieving accreditation in the Bereavement Program.

Essential Functions:

Visiting Hospice Program

Direct Service Support

· Provide in-office and occasional in-home supportive counselling to individuals facing life-limiting illness and caregivers to support client goals and quality of life

· Provide comprehensive psychosocial support, education and information to the individuals and families receiving service

· Conduct assessment and develop care plan based on client’s goals

· Put care plan into action, and continue to meet with the client on an as needed basis, reassessing and adjusting care plan as necessary

· Advocate for the client (and/or circle of care) when/where appropriate

· Communicate with the interdisciplinary team members when/where appropriate

Program Development

· Work alongside the Community Social Worker to identify needs in the community and develop new programs as needed

Bereavement Support Program

Direct Service Support

· Provide in-office support to adults experiencing the loss of a loved one, who are identified as having complex grief needs

· Provide comprehensive psychosocial support, education and information to the individuals receiving service

· Conduct assessment and develop care plan based on client’s goals

· Put care plan into action, and continue to meet with the client on an as needed basis, reassessing and adjusting care plan as necessary

· Advocate for the client (and/or circle of care) when/where appropriate

· Communicate with the interdisciplinary team members when/where appropriate

Program Development

· Work alongside the Bereavement Support Coordinator to identify needs in the community and develop new programs as needed

Support Services Coordination

· Ensure all necessary documentation is collected for client file and case notes are entered according to professional standards

· Ensure confidentiality of client records

· Consult with Executive Director on any issues involving client care, volunteers, health and safety or any other issues of concern

· Ensure that all programs and services are developed and delivered in a high professional standard

· Provide timely and accurate statistical reporting for clients

· Follow-up with client/family concerns and complaints

Accreditation

· Ensure ongoing compliance with HPCO Visiting Hospice Accreditation Standards including completion of reassessment/reaccreditation requirements as per HPCO standards

· Work with the Community Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator to complete annual file audits of all client and volunteer files to ensure compliance with HPCO standards

· Work towards achieving accreditation in the Bereavement Program, alongside the Bereavement Services Coordinator

Community Partnerships:

· Provide education in the community on death, dying, bereavement, end of life, palliative care and/or other topics as requested/required within Hospice Orillia’s scope of expertise

· Co-facilitate quarterly educational offerings for healthcare providers on grief and bereavement, alongside the Bereavement Services Coordinator

· Foster community partnerships by attending relevant round tables, and community, interest and working groups

Competencies:

· Previous experience in hospice palliative care and knowledge of community resources relevant to the field

· Excellent interpersonal and partnership skills and an advocate for team work

· Excellent active listening, oral and written communication skills

· Awareness, commitment, and ability to include one’s own as well as other’s different cultural perceptions, assumptions, norms, beliefs, and values

· Comfortable working with individuals at end‐of‐life or bereaved individuals and able to initiate and facilitate discussions addressing end‐of‐life and bereavement issues

· Committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of persons served

· Experience in facilitating groups and public speaking

· Proven time management and organizational skills

· Proficiency with word processing and presentations

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities, with the exception of student placements, which are accepted on an occasional basis.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers and fax machines.

This position also requires work in the community among various settings.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The physical demands involve working in a fast-paced environment and sitting for long periods of time.

This position also requires the ability to engage in public speaking and group facilitation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full time, maternity leave contract position at 30 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel:

Travel throughout North Simcoe Muskoka is occasionally required. A reliable vehicle, class G license and two- million-dollar insurance policy is necessary.

Preferred Education and Experience:

· Masters Degree in Social Work, with 2+ years of direct clinical experience

· Current registration in good standing with the OCSWSSW

· Experience working in hospice, palliative care, and bereavement preferred

· Knowledge of community resources

· Knowledge of volunteer management and experience in coordination of volunteers would be considered an asset

· Proven ability to work with others

· Proven organizational, assessment, facilitation and communication skills

· Evidence of dedication to continuing education

· Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

1. Police Record check

2. Vulnerable sector check

3. Verification of educational qualifications

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NSMHPCN is committed to the philosophy of equal opportunity employment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nation origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or other non-job-related criteria.

NSMHPCN is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, individuals requiring accommodation during the application/recruitment process should advise Human Resources so arrangements can be made. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Accessibility:

NSMHPCN is committed to providing its services in ways that respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

Method of application:

Please apply through Indeed (https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=aeceecbe0c679d9e&from=shareddesktop_copy)