Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Within the context of a client and family centered care framework and continuum based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice, and the established vision and values of the organization including Indigenous Cultural Safety, cultural humility and anti-racism principles, works in a team based environment and has the delegated responsibility and accountability for providing education and expertise on Social Work professional standards and practice issues. The Social Work Educator provides clinical and educational support to Social Work staff across designated PHSA programs areas using advanced theory and knowledge. Plans, develops, implements and evaluates guidelines, practice standards, educational and orientation programs for Social Workers, new graduates, students and other staff including employed students.  The role provides training in practice, administers student training programs, and leads the development and roll out of new clinical practices and providing staff with information on new or changed therapeutic procedures and practices. Consults, confers, and collaborates with other health care providers regarding clinical concerns or requirements to gather information for ongoing improvement of client care.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Plans, develops, implements, evaluates and modifies educational strategies, programs, curriculum and materials related to Social Work theory, interventions, skills and competencies based on clinical evidence, policy, literature and resources and education theory for Social Work staff.  Works in collaboration with Allied Health Practice Leaders and Education leaders to identify specific Social Work learning needs.   Ensures content reflects up to date, evidence-based and wise practices.

2. Provides training to Social Work staff and students for implementation of profession specific and inter-professional regional and provincial clinical       practice guidelines. Uses change management techniques to introduce and guide staff through the use of new social work practices, to ensure efficient, clinically effective and safe implementation. Evaluates education effectiveness and learning outcomes by determining whether clinical objectives have been achieved and assessing whether learning has occurred that results in demonstration of best practices.  Provides formal feedback related to the clinical competency through documentation review and case consultation.

3. Delivers, maintains, and coordinates new staff orientation for social workers and social work students to ensure staff are familiar with Social Work practice standards, clinical guidelines, legislation, professional practice resources, education materials and modules.  Identifies, updates, and revises existing orientation education on an ongoing basis to ensure information is accurate and up to date.  Monitors and ensures orientation is completed within the designed timeframe.  

4. Delivers learner-centered education to social workers and social work students following orientation by teaching, coaching, role modeling, mentoring, and/or facilitating education and learning sessions on clinical practice topics in face to face and electronic mediums. Develops and reviews instructional materials.  Plans and schedules educational activities, maintains records of staff instruction and monitors effectiveness of training methods through staff feedback.

5. Acts as a clinical role model and resource for staff by consulting with staff on complex professional practice issues, role modeling clinical expertise when performing professional activities and provides professional advice and support to enhance clinical problem solution.  Reviews and evaluates technical literature/material and incorporates findings into educational content.  Consults with other professionals, attends relevant educational programs as directed to maintain knowledge of current developments and contribute to the improvement of services.  Actively promotes continuous learning among staff.

6. Provides knowledge, skills and leadership in the development and evaluation of practice standards, guidelines, policies, and instruments to ensure professional practices comply with practice standards and that services or quality improvement initiatives are client-centred, equitable, easily accessible, have continuity and provide supports to family, volunteers and staff services providers.

7. Assists with the guidance on education, special projects initiatives, and in the coordination of introduction    of new skills/procedures by providing resources and other materials to clinical areas and external facilities as required. Collaborates with Education Leaders, Professional Practice, Clinical Operations, Risk Management, Ethics, Privacy and other applicable personnel/management in the development of education strategies based on the organization’s goals and mandate. Ensures education standards/programs changes are communicated across the clinical practice areas.

8. Provides consultation to new graduates, staff and other designated groups including students as required, regarding professional development and/or career planning by maintaining interpersonal contact, observation, providing verbal and/or written feedback to support competency development, recommending educational programs/resources and facilitating the development of learning or professional growth plans.
9. Supports student preceptorships/fieldwork in collaboration with student placement teams.  Arranges mentorship and support for preceptors, and ensures all necessary administrative framework and support, such as policies and procedures, are in place to meet accreditation standards for social work. Provides feedback on student placement process. Seeks out, develops and supports innovative student learning opportunities.

10. Liaises with educational institutions, professional Associations/Colleges, and other external networks relative to the current curriculum, learning objectives and professional practice for social work. Plans and participates in recruitment fairs.

11. Communicates and consults with other clinical educators to gather and share information and coordinate educational sessions.

12. Participates in quality improvement initiatives and related audits by evaluating effect of changes in practice, and actively promotes practices to ensure the safe delivery of client/patient care and improve services. Conducts and coordinates practice-based research.

13. Participates on clinical committees and working groups as required to provide input and recommendations.

14. Ensures a safe and healthy workplace for patients/clients and staff through methods such as effective orientation, training, promotion and monitoring of safe work practices and enforcement     of health and safety requirements.

15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work.
• Four (4) years' recent, related broad Social Work experience in a variety of practice areas and experience in mentoring, teaching, knowledge translation, creating educational materials, implementing education strategies or providing leadership, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Current full registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers.


Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of organization policies, legislation, procedures, and standards of care. Comprehensive knowledge of social work theory and practice within a client and family centred model of care.
• Broad knowledge of the established provincial standards of practice and guidelines for Registered Social Workers.
• General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Psychological Health and Safety within the workplace.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
• Broad knowledge of education theory, including knowledge of adult education, learning principles and education strategies.
• Broad knowledge of virtual technology-based learning and with spreadsheet and database skills.
• Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and construct effective and dynamic education modules and materials and utilize knowledge translation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, facilitate and teach.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a supportive and creative learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a culture of inquiry and evidence based & wise practice.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with, and work effectively with, co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, patients and their families, and outside agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a supportive, creative learning environment and engage in continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to apply decision-making, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to role model, guide, and support others in resolution of conflict issues.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.