Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
The Health Care Social Worker facilitates intake for mental health and addiction services by conducting risk assessments, clinical triage, and providing brief supportive counseling. They act as a liaison between clients and community resources to help individuals navigate the healthcare system and reduce barriers to treatment.
12-Aug-26About the Opportunity Reporting to the Provincial Manager - Intake Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Program, the Health Care Social Worker position is responsible for facilitation of intake for MHA services. This is a provincial centralized telephone access service for Mental Health and Addictions Intake in Nova Scotia. This includes the utilization of appropriate screening tools, risk assessment, clinical triage and disposition, brief supportive counselling and psychoeducation, consultation, and information sharing. The Health Care Social Worker is responsible for facilitation of access into and out of Mental Health & Addiction. The Health Care Social Worker will build working relationships, assist with problem solving and support individuals while they learn to self-navigate the health care system. The Health Care Social Worker reduces barriers that prevent clients from getting treatment/support by identifying client needs and directing them to sources of support. The Health Care Social Worker will provide support and referral to ancillary support services for individuals needing assistance for their mental health and/or substance use/gambling. The Health Care Social Worker will act as a liaison between community resources and MHA and will remain knowledgeable of community resources, as well as Mental Health & Addictions teams and resources to ensure the best care.About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
Bachelor's degree in Social Work is required Registration with Nova Scotia College of Social Workers required Three years of related licensed experience in Mental Health and Addictions in a health care setting Experience working with individuals with Mental Health and/or substance use/gambling concerns High degree of motivational interviewing skills and engagement techniques Experience utilizing screening and triaging tools Knowledge of harm reduction strategies and stages of change theory Demonstrated awareness of community resources and programs and community development methods Demonstrated knowledge of recovery-oriented practice & patient and family-centered care Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid an asset, or committing to complete these courses Working knowledge of DSM Ability to navigate and de-escalate situations and offer crisis support using appropriate methods when needed Demonstrated knowledge of cultural sensitivity and cultural competency Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours
Permanent full-time position; 75 hours biweekly Hours may include some evenings and holidays until 8pm Compensation and Benefits Healthcare Social Worker B $36.58 - $48.53 hourly Healthcare Social Worker A (Developmental) $34.80 - $44.38 hourly Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning.
Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself.
At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer.
Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.
Once You've Applied Thank you for your interest in this position.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position.
Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.
Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve.
We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and be registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. A minimum of three years of related licensed experience in mental health and addictions within a healthcare setting is required.
Market context
Behavioral-health positions in Nova Scotia often reflect steady demand in child and adolescent services, especially where trauma-informed care and specialized assessment skills are needed. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for a Ph.D. or PsyD in Clinical Psychology, registration with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, and direct clinical experience with younger patients. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your registration status and prepare examples of trauma-informed work before applying.
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