Social Worker HIV Program (Job ID: 9520)
Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph's Health Centre and St. Michael's Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Join our St. Michael's Hospital team as we work to put patients and families at the center of everything we do, in the role of Social Worker on our positive care and infectious disease clinic.
The successful candidate will provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive psychosocial support to individuals receiving care in the Primary Care Clinic, with a focus on those affected by HIV. Responsibilities include conducting psychosocial assessments, delivering HIV education (including HIV and pregnancy), and providing psychotherapy and supportive counselling.
This role involves helping patients navigate the healthcare and social service systems, including assistance with OHIP applications, immigration-related concerns, financial support programs (OW, ODSP), and medication coverage. The candidate will facilitate referrals to mental health, legal, and community resources, while actively supporting uninsured or precariously insured patients.
Collaboration is essential—this role works closely with an interdisciplinary team and fosters partnerships with community organizations to enhance care coordination and streamline access to services.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Social workers in health care provide in-depth biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic, treatment, and evaluation services for individuals, families, and/or couples. Counseling, discharge planning, resource referral, consultation and collaboration, teaching, research/quality improvement, and patient and family education are required elements of the position. In addition, Social Workers at Unity Health Toronto:
- Work effectively as a member of an inter-professional team, collaborating with other disciplines to provide comprehensive patient care
- Contribute to the academic mandate of the organization as an educator, resource or support for staff and members of the academic and professional community
- Identify and address educational needs for patients and their families
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development in order to continue to provide optimal patient care
- Are committed to and participates in ongoing quality improvement and/or research in the organization
- Provide patient care in accordance with all professional and organizational standards
- Are committed to providing anti oppressive and accessible care for all patients
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be currently licensed by and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) for practice in all applicable clinical areas
- Must hold a Master's Degree in Social Work
- Current BLS (or willingness to complete within probationary period)
- Experience in ambulatory medicine and marginalized communities is preferred
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills
- Proven flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent time management, organizational and prioritization skills as relates to patient care
- Demonstrated advocacy, commitment to and involvement with profession preferred (e.g. involvement with professional association, representation on relevant committees)
Potential candidates who do not meet all preferred qualifications are still encouraged to apply.
Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.