Job Summary:
Reporting to the Clinical Manager of palliative care services at St. Michael’s Hospital (SMH), the Palliative Care Social Worker and MAiD Request Navigator is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, providing psychosocial support at end of life, transition planning, grief and bereavement support, and staff support as required. This position also supports the SMH consultation service and ambulatory clinic, which are both closely aligned with the program.
In collaboration with the Ethics Service at Unity Health Toronto, the MAiD Request Navigator is responsible for the organization’s response to medical assistance in dying (MAiD) inquiries and requests from Unity Health Network’s patients and residents, through a case management approach. This will include travelling to all 3 sites within the network, as required, to assist teams with timely accommodation of Patient/Resident requests for MAiD information, assessments and safe transportation offsite when a Patient/resident chooses to access MAiD. This aspect of the role will require a close working relationship with the Ethics Services leadership team.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts comprehensive Biopsychosocial assessment and treatment planning/counselling
- Provides transition planning as required, including referrals to external programs, resource identification and connection with navigation support as required
- Identifies and addresses educational needs for patients and their families, within the scope of the role
- Provides crisis intervention as required for: patients, families and the team
- Acts as an advocate on the patients’ behalf for the services required to meet patients’ needs
- Works effectively as a member of an interprofessional team, collaborating with other disciplines to provide comprehensive patient care
- Commits to and participates in ongoing quality improvement and/or research in the organization
- Provides patient care in accordance with all professional and organizational standards
- Supports cross coverage across the Unity-wide palliative program as required
- Contributes to the academic mandate of the organization as an educator, resource or support for staff and members of the academic and professional community
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development
- Supports advanced care planning, funeral planning and grief management
- Responds to inquiries and requests for MAiD from across the network
- Tracks the number of MAiD requests and helps to prepare summary reports
- Supports the MAiD navigation process through policy application, staff/patient/family education, resource development, and complex case management
- Liaises with inter-organizational, and provincial MAiD coordination networks
- Responds to and escalates organizational risks that arise relating to the application of UHT MAiD Policy and case management
- Develops risk mitigation strategies aligned with the UHT Mission, Vision and Values and in consultation with organizational interest holders
- Enables an operational framework for clinical and operational teams and care delivery approaches through collaborative partnerships that support the patient, best practices, improved patient care and access to services appropriate at end of life
- Provides practice support and team information and debriefing support around MAiD response case management
- Response to individual physician and patient concerns in partnership with the ethics, risk, and communications offices, as appropriate, on behalf of the program and organization with regards to MAiD
- Develops, implements and evaluates clinical educational programs related to the delivery of care for those inquiring or requesting MAiD
- Fosters strategic working relationships with internal and external interest holders that result in sharing of knowledge, monitoring of trends, identification of opportunities to promote innovation, exploration and partnerships for improvement.
- Leads strategic communication and planning, in partnership with program leadership and Ethics, to ensure accurate and consistent messaging, with regard to MAiD at UHT
Qualifications:
- Masters of Social Work required
- Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- 5 years recent related experience, an asset
- Extensive knowledge of legislation, guidelines, and policies regarding Medical Assistance in Dying required
- Thorough understanding of Catholic moral tradition and ethics, as expressed in the Health Ethic Guide, pertaining to end-of-life care, advance care planning and MAiD
- Understanding and sensitivity about ethical issues within a Catholic health care setting
- Extensive knowledge of end of life medical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues
- Extensive knowledge of services available within UHT and in other health care organizations in Ontario
- Ability to travel between sites
- Extensive knowledge / experience working with complex clinical and social dynamics across the continuum of care
- Ability to utilize innovative and independent thinking/visioning and creative problem-solving to develop and implement service and program plans
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate and promote collaboration and change management, while working independently and within a team
- Proven leadership skills
- Advanced communication, interpersonal, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills
- Strong knowledge of adult education and experience
- Ability to identify areas for improvement as well as effect and sustain change through the use of QI tools and processes
- Demonstrated acumen of Ontario Health ALC Best Practice Guidelines
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