Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Healthcare Social Worker provides psychosocial interventions, crisis counseling, and case management to clients and their families within a medical-surgical and cancer care setting. They also engage in advocacy, education, and the supervision of students while collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.
28-Aug-26About the Opportunity Reporting to the Program Manager of the Medical-Surgical and Cancer Care department within the Rehabilitation & Supportive Care Services portfolio, the Healthcare Social Worker provides a diverse range of interventions to clients and their families, enabling them to achieve their optimal level of functioning and health. These interventions include: psychosocial assessments, adjustment therapy, supportive therapy, crisis counselling, resource counselling, and discharge planning and case management. Health Care Social Workers are actively involved in advocacy, education, program planning, consultation and collaboration on behalf of individuals/groups within the institution and community. The role is multifaceted and dynamic, requiring each Social Worker to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams. The Health Care Social Worker is a licensed professional who practices in accordance with a set of National/Provincial Standards and Code of Ethics and Department Procedures, Policies and Standards. The Health Care Social Worker is responsible for supervising undergraduate and graduate students in work placements. The Health Care Social Worker provides consultation based upon an advanced level of education (MSW) which includes an integrated knowledge of the social, structural, emotional, psychological and cultural factors that affect well-being. The Job Fact Sheet describes a range of practice. It incorporates entry level practitioners to those with advanced levels of practice. This range is associated with the education level, years of experience and professional development of workers within the department. The Social Worker may be required to provide services throughout the Rehabilitation and Supportive Care Services portfolio.About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
Master's Degree in Social Work from a recognized university Registered or eligible for registration with the NSCSW Two (2) years of clinical experience as a clinical Social Worker required Strong counselling and communication skills Capacity to achieve a high degree of autonomous practice Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team context Knowledge of issues related to family violence, sexual abuse, addictions, grief and loss, end of life, disability, crisis intervention, caregiving and continuum of care and intervention skills that come from knowledge of theoretical frameworks/approaches to practice Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Minimum two (2) years of 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 Health Care Social Worker (Developmental) scale. Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours
Long assignment full-time position; 75 hours biweekly Approximately 12 months Compensation and Benefits $40.18 - $55.49 Hourly Developmental (less than 2yrs Experience) $35.83 - 38.79 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.
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, and 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in Social Work and be registered or eligible for registration with the NSCSW. A minimum of two years of clinical social work experience is required for the standard role, though developmental candidates may be considered.
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.