Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Kentville, Nova Scotia
The social worker will provide clinical services including screening, assessment, individual counseling, and crisis intervention within a multi-disciplinary inpatient psychiatry team. They are responsible for treatment planning, discharge planning, and case management while utilizing harm reduction and recovery-oriented models.
27-Aug-26About the Opportunity Under the direction of the Manager for Inpatient Psychiatry, the Social Worker will work within a multi-disciplinary team and will be responsible for providing a wide range of clinical services to individuals including: screening, assessment, individual counselling, treatment planning, discharge planning, crisis intervention, group programming, case management/navigation and consultation. The social worker will need to be knowledgeable and highly skilled in the utilization of harm reduction, recovery models and the psychosocial rehabilitation model (PSR). About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
Bachelor's degree in Social Work Registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work (NSCSW) Two years’ (post BSW) related clinical experience (preferably working with individuals with substance use/gambling concerns and/or mental health) Demonstrated knowledge of community resources/ programs and community development methods A high degree of proficiency in screening and risk assessment skills, including suicide risk assessment An ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships within health care and the community at large Knowledge and experience with brief intervention strategies, solution focused approaches, motivational interviewing skills and client engagement strategies Knowledge and experience with trauma informed care approach The incumbent will need to have previous experience working with a significant amount of autonomy ensuring the plan of care is being fully articulated and work collaboratively with the care teams when adjustments are needed Experienced in offering supportive brief intervention strategies focuses on harm reduction and recovery A working knowledge of the DSM and experience in utilizing screening and triaging tools Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience required. If not available, candidates with less than two (2) years of experience may be considered for the selection process. If offered employment, they will be placed on the Healthcare Social Worker A (Developmental) scale.
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours
Permanent Full Time Position; 75 Hours Bi Weekly Some shifts may include evenings and weekends Compensation and Benefits Healthcare Social Worker B$36.58 - $47.35 Hourly Healthcare Social Worker A (Developmental) $34.80 - $43.30 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 Work. A minimum of two years of clinical experience in mental health or substance use 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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