Position Description:
The Black Health Social Worker plays a critical role in advancing health equity by delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health and addictions supports to Black individuals, children, youth, and families. The Social Worker is responsible for leading direct clinical service delivery, early intervention, and crisis support initiatives. This role addresses systemic barriers and inequities that Black communities face in accessing mental health services and promotes healing, resilience, and emotional well-being across the lifespan.
The Social Worker provides services through mobile mental health clinics located within Black communities, education support center's, faith-based institutions, cultural center's, and other trusted community settings. The Social Worker also supports the development and implementation of non-police mental health crisis response pathways, ensuring culturally safe, non-criminalizing approaches to crisis intervention.
The Social Worker applies anti-racist, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive frameworks across all aspects of clinical care, health promotion, advocacy, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed clinical counselling, case management, and mental health supports to Black individuals, children, youth, and families.
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Lead service delivery through Mobile Mental Health Clinics serving Black individuals, children, youth, and families within Black communities, including at faith-based and cultural centers.
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Deliver mental health supports within Education Support Centers, enhancing early intervention, service navigation, and access to culturally affirming care for Black students and families.
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Provide prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric mental health care, offering therapeutic interventions for Black mothers and young children experiencing mental health challenges.
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Support families impacted by family violence through crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed counselling, and linkage to specialized services.
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Promote positive parenting practices by providing education on parenting styles, emotional regulation, child development, and culturally affirming parenting strategies.
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Promote emotional, social, and mental wellness through the delivery of tailored wellness supports, including psychoeducation, resiliency-building, and mental health promotion initiatives.
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Support the development and implementation of non-police mental health crisis supports, ensuring trauma-informed and culturally safe responses to mental health crises.
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Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, develop individualized care plans, deliver therapeutic interventions, and monitor client progress using evidence-based and culturally relevant practices.
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Engage in proactive outreach to Black individuals, families, schools, faith-based organizations, cultural center's, and community groups to promote access to mental health services.
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Advocate for the rights and needs of Black individuals, children, youth, and families by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable service delivery.
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Design and deliver community education workshops, wellness sessions, and psychoeducational programs to strengthen community capacity.
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Participate actively in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, community partnerships, and collaborative initiatives that support Black mental health, family wellbeing, and violence prevention.
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Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation in accordance with professional standards, organizational policies, and privacy regulations.
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Contribute to program development, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing culturally responsive service delivery.
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Apply anti-racism, anti-oppression, culturally sensitive, and language-appropriate frameworks in all aspects of client care and program delivery.
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Work as part of the Centre’s interdisciplinary team and adhere to Hamilton Urban Core’s core competencies and the Community Health Centre Model of Care.
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Actively participate in Centre-wide activities such as the Annual General Meeting, client centered events, advocacy efforts, and special initiatives related to Hamilton Urban Core’s mission.
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Adhere to all organizational policies, professional standards, and ethical guidelines in all aspects of client care and program documentation.
Other:
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Provide mentorship and supervision to students, interns, and new staff.
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Engage in ongoing professional development, including training, literature review, and peer collaboration.
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Support Hamilton Urban Core CHC-wide initiatives, including annual events, advocacy efforts, and client-centered programming.
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Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
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Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited university.
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Registration and good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
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Deep connection to, and knowledge of, Black communities, including cultural traditions, lived experiences, and systemic barriers to healthcare access.
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Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience working with Black individuals, children, youth, and families in community mental health or related fields.
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Demonstrated expertise in delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive, antiracist, and anti-oppressive clinical services.
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Strong clinical skills in counselling, case management, group facilitation, and crisis response.
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Excellent understanding of the social determinants of health, systemic inequities, and barriers affecting Black communities.
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Knowledge of mobile service delivery models, social prescribing approaches, and culturally safe non-police mental health crisis interventions.
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Ability to build strong rapport and trust with Black individuals, families, and community partners using culturally appropriate and empathetic approaches.
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Strong communication, advocacy, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
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Proficiency in electronic health records systems and clinical documentation best practices.
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Demonstrated commitment to health equity, cultural humility, continuous professional development, and reflective practice.
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Commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-racism, anti-oppression, antidiscrimination, equity, and culturally grounded models of care.
