Oncology Medical Social Worker
Job Description
Department Information
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada's North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Challenging work, welcoming communities, and expanded opportunities are some of the benefits offered to employees of the NTHSSA.
Job Information
Are you looking for meaningful work where you can directly support people and families facing cancer? Do you want to use your skills to improve cancer care across the Northwest Territories? This role offers the chance to practice at an advanced level while being part of a supportive, interdisciplinary team.
The Oncology Medical Social Worker provides counselling, case management, and system navigation for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. Working closely with the Cancer Nurse Navigator and the cancer care team, this position supports clients from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care. The role includes both direct client care and work to improve services across the territory.
Based in Yellowknife, this position offers the opportunity to live and work in a welcoming northern community while helping strengthen cancer care in remote and Indigenous communities.
Key Responsibilities
¿ Provide counselling and emotional support to cancer clients and their families.
¿ Complete psychosocial assessments and develop care plans.
¿ Help clients understand and navigate the cancer care system.
¿ Advocate for clients and connect them with community and territorial supports.
¿ Participate in team meetings and case conferences.
¿ Support survivorship planning and advance care planning discussions.
¿ Provide education to clients, families, and health care providers.
¿ Maintain accurate documentation and follow professional standards and GNWT legislation.
Key Qualifications
¿ Strong counselling skills and experience working in a health care setting.
¿ Knowledge of cancer care, grief, palliative care, and supportive services.
¿ Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
¿ Strong communication and teamwork skills.
¿ Ability to work respectfully in cross-cultural settings.
¿ Comfort using electronic medical records and standard computer programs.
To be successful in this role, typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:
A baccalaureate Degree in Social Work; Masters preparation preferred, and a minimum of five (5) years of clinical counselling experience in a health care setting; minimum 2 years clinical counselling experience in cancer care setting preferred.
Assets include: Territorially supported oncology courses (i.e. the DeSouza Institute Foundations in Oncology Nursing Practice, Client Navigation, and Interprofessional Psychosocial Oncology: Introduction to Theory and Practice, Families in Oncology & Palliative Care, or other similar courses).
Additional Requirements
Proof of immunization as required.
Annual professional registration with the GNWT.
Completion of required NTHSSA mandatory training.
Highly sensitive position ¿ verification of identity and criminal records check required.
Why Yellowknife?
Are you ready to build your career while enjoying life in a northern capital known for its strong community spirit and natural beauty?
If you are looking for purpose driven work and the opportunity to improve cancer care in the North, we encourage you to apply.
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Health Recruitment
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel Extension 14106
Fax
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
How to Apply
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hiring?▼
This role is with Government of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife.
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This appears to be an on-site role in Yellowknife.
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After you click "Apply Now", you will be redirected to the employer's official site to submit your resume. You can typically expect to hear back within 1-2 weeks if shortlisted.