Job Description

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #32211: Social Worker BSW
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID #: 1429
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on September 16, 2026.
• Duration: Up to 18 months
• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Manager, the Social Worker provides social work services including intake screening, assessments, referrals, standardized programming and groups, community outreach, consultations and counselling with individuals, and families. The registered social worker will work with individuals who have concerns with addictions, mental health issues, and who may also be experiencing issues with social determinants of health, to help individuals meet their identified needs. This position works collaboratively with other Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Services/Mental Health & Street Outreach Program staff, as well as, potentially with community partners. Provides presentations and consultation to the community as needed. Conducts other services as required.

GENERAL DUTIES

Conduct intake screenings, brief assessment and standardized assessments, as may be required for referral, priority service, counselling and/or consultation process.

Conduct initial assessment with individuals and families, as may be required for referral, priority service, Back On Track program, counselling and/or consultation purposes.

Assess, through interviews the areas an individual may require assistance such as alcohol, drug use, problem gambling, educational, employment, social and cultural issues, marital or family relationships, health (both physical and mental), legal and financial challenges.

Assess the individual’s strengths and available resources to support the development of effective service and care plans.

Administer tests and integrate with interview-assessment data.

Manage a clinical caseload, established and regularly reviewed through the resource management development process.

Provide individual counselling, family-involved counselling, and group facilitation.

With consent, work with the individual and relevant supports (for example, family, employment, supervisor, probation officer), to develop an appropriate care plan working using a harm reduction approach.

Work within an anti-oppressive practice embracing the diversity of our community.

Recognize, respect, and incorporate the diverse perspectives of individuals, families and supports while collaboratively co-designing care plans

Make referrals to appropriate services (based on assessment and knowledge of community resources).

Facilitate contact with services, as a broker and advocate for individuals which may involve taking individuals to appointments, if necessary.

Provide continuity of care to individuals.

Provide after-care and follow-up care after discharge from treatment, Back on Track program, or other programs to ensure that individuals receive continuing support and where necessary, additional services.

Maintain contact for the purpose of monitoring and reinforcing the individual’s progress.

Respond effectively during times of crisis.

Participate in regularly scheduled administrative and clinical supervision, performance management development sessions, and annually take part in written evaluation and learning development plan with manager.

Maintain accurate, timely and complete documentation in accordance with record-keeping standards and case management system requirements.

Prepare correspondence and compile statistics as required.

Attend and participate in team meetings

Utilize the team for consultation and provide consultation around cases.

Provide consultation for other agencies in the community.

Provide referral sources, professionals and potential individuals with information, following appropriate privacy legislation.

Provide mentoring and support to new staff, students and/or volunteers as required.

Participate in modules and other Divisional/Departmental sub-committees, as required.

Maintain knowledge of and comply with organizational policies, procedures, and standards in carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities.

Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor or Master’s of Social Work; or related discipline with current registration and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, RSW. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
2. Must have direct experience in the field of addictions and mental health.
3. Demonstrated clinical experience conducting, assessments, consultations and counselling with individuals, families and groups.
4. Demonstrated ability in interviewing skills, flexibility / adapting to change, interpersonal relationships and case management.
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other community programs and to engage in program development.
6. Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision and in relating with a multi-disciplinary team.
7. Knowledge of community resources with demonstrated ability to relate with all levels of the community.
8. Effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to relate to peers, individuals, families and groups.
9. Working knowledge of computer software applications (Microsoft Windows and Outlook).
10. Highly effective facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
11. Ability to speak a second language an asset.

NOTE 1: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check or Vulnerable Sector Screening, at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

NOTE 2: The successful candidate will be required to provide immunization records, which may include TB testing prior to the start of employment to meet the requirements of Policy HSW-01 Staff Proof of Immunity to Vaccine Preventable Diseases.

NOTE 3: Week-end shifts and evenings may be required.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.