Social Worker

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Consider a rewarding career in correctional services and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals in custody and in keeping our communities safe.

We are currently seeking qualified Social Workers to provide professional assessment, rehabilitative, and discharge services for inmates at the Niagara Detention Centre. Take on this unique opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise!

Effective January 1st, 2024 the salary range for this position is $1,352.75 to $1,717.58 per week in compliance with OPSEU Correctional Bargaining Unit collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.

Information Session Details:
We invite you to join us for a voluntary, online information session on Monday March 18, 2024, at 12pm EDT to learn more about this opportunity. If you are interested in learning more, please register via the following link: Job Preview Information Session. Access details to attend the information session will be provided to those who express interest via the above MS Forms page only before 5 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024. This information session is voluntary and will not impact the screening process.

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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About the job

• Formulate reintegration/release plans in collaboration with professional and community partners and inmates
• Provide crisis intervention services
• Prepare clinical assessments and statistical reports
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary care plans
• Facilitate group and individual rehabilitative programming
• Provide one-to- one counselling
• Participate in social work research activities and evaluate treatment programs and services
• Provide social work consultation and training to staff
• Perform other duties, as assigned

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• You are currently registered as a Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Specialized Knowledge and Experience

• You have in-depth knowledge of, and experience with, theories, principles and practices of social work normally acquired through a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW)
• You are able to develop rehabilitative program/treatment plans as well as conduct individual/group therapy and crisis intervention
• You have knowledge of risk assessment tools and rehabilitative/treatment options in order to recommend appropriate classification placement
• You have knowledge of community support services to assist inmates in formulating reintegration plans
• You have a general understanding of the justice system in Ontario
• You can understand, interpret, and apply relevant legislation such as the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Social Work and Social Service Work Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, etc., as well as acquire knowledge of, and apply, operational policies and procedures

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You can liaise with clients, correctional staff, and community support services
• You can provide individual counselling, evaluation, and assessment services to offenders with complex needs
• You are able to connect and build rapport with a diverse client population with varied cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds
• You have experience working within a multi-disciplinary setting, including community agencies
• You have proven tact, discretion and sensitivity to discuss problems/options with offenders and maintain confidentiality
• You have advanced written communication skills to prepare case notes, assessments, and progress and statistical reports

Analytical, Assessment, and Problem-Solving Skills

• You can gather and compile data from multiple sources to identify inmate needs
• You can develop/modify rehabilitative, treatment, and case management plans
• You are able to assess inmates in crisis and apply appropriate therapeutic intervention

Organizational Skills

• You can manage conflicting priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain adequate records

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Additional information:

Note:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• Employees working in congregate living settings may be required to provide proof they are fully vaccinated, meaning they are fully vaccinated as defined by the Ministry of Health (refer to: COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated Status in Ontario), including 14 calendar days have passed since receiving their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, employees working in congregate living settings may be required to undergo regular rapid antigen testing, regardless of vaccination status, as determined by the Employer.

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.