Oncology Medical Social Worker
Job Summary
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 (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
hlthss_recruitment@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
More Information
Term Position
This job opening is for a one (1) year term.
Indigenous Employment Policy
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.
Criminal Records Check
Candidates must provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
Immunization Status
The successful candidate will be required to obtain proof of current up-to-date immunization status.
Registrations
Eligible for current registration/certification for membership as a Social Worker in the Northwest Territories with the GNWT Registrar, Professional Licensing is mandatory for this position.
For more information on health and social services careers and practicing in the Northwest Territories please visit www.practiceNWT.ca
Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Transfer Assignments
Transfer Assignments may be considered.
Job Opening Information
Job Opening ID # 27573
Closing Date: March 11, 2026- 23:59, Mountain Time
Salary Information
The salary range for this position is from $54.44 per hour to $65.03 per hour (approximately $106,158 - $129,809) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.
Application Assistance
For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application