Temporary employment anticipated to extend until June 30, 2026, subject to the availability of work.

The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health services' professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The Forensic Psychiatry Program is also highly invested in both education and research and has various connections with the University of Western Ontario.

Reporting to the forensic clinical manager, this individual will work with the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care (SWC) and with the Developmental Services (DS) sector for engagement in situations where a person with developmental disabilities appears to be on a forensic trajectory. This includes assisting in the management of specific challenging situations to help the sector develop capacity to manage challenging individuals without criminalization. The engagement can include relationship building and community support liaison, education and training, and consultation on case specific scenarios. Support for management of case specific scenarios would be supported in the context of an interprofessional team approach that the engagement staff would access through the Forensic Outreach service.

Essential Qualifications

• Registered as a Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
• Minimum 2 years of mental health experience
• Valid driver's license, adequate insurance and use of hospital vehicle required
• Ability to travel across the Southwest Region and work in various settings/environments
• Demonstrated experience and competence in delivering the full range of clinical social work services with an outcome-oriented approach
• In-depth knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, PHIPA and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated skills in psychosocial assessment and treatment with the ability to identify client needs, problem solve through professional assessment and skillfully implement social work interventions in collaboration with the patient, family and team
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and the practices of case management, treatment and counselling, basic knowledge of major mental illness, substance abuse, Psychotropic medications and symptom management
• Strong discharge planning skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to mobilize community resources
• Strong crisis intervention, advocacy, conflict management and facilitation skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to function effectively independently and within a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated strength in written/verbal communication and case management
• Excellent organizational, time management and communication
• Demonstrated skills in providing education to patients, families and the health care team
• Familiarity with outcome measurement related to clinical practice, ability to measure and evaluate practice change outcomes
• Ability to accept and positively influence change in the work environment
• Supports research and innovation in practice, previous experience in research an asset
• Proficient computer skills with a variety of programs
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA
• Proven flexibility in adapting to varying caseload needs and a high level of initiative

• Master of Social Work
• Experience working in a forensic setting with patients under the jurisdiction of the ORB
• Excellent theoretical knowledge and practical skills in forensic psychiatry and community consultation
• Excellent knowledge and experience in risk assessment and risk mitigation
• Previous experience working with individuals with a developmental disability and their families
• Skills and knowledge working with Adult Developmental Services Agencies, Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
• Familiar with MCSS Quality Assurance Measures and legislation such as The Service and Supports to promote Inclusion of a Person with a Developmental Disability Act
• Knowledge of Mental Health and Judicial systems and related legislation
• Knowledge of behavioural assessment and intervention
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to mobilize community, health/mental health / developmental service agencies and social welfare resources
• Proficiency in French would be an asset

• St. Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St. Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing