Social Worker, LICSW

Purpose of Position

Plans, organizes, and implements social work services to patients and families. Plans for discharge and after-care. Maintains contact with referring agencies and related people, and with community resources used for referral.

Description

1. Assists patients and families to adjust to illness and lifestyle changes related to illness and hospitalization.

• Completes a comprehensive assessment of patient and family members to obtain information about psychosocial issues including the home environment, family relationships, mental health history, substance abuse history, economic and cultural needs. Completes a risk assessment and interventions for at risk populations such as children, elderly, disabled, victims of abuse and neglect, domestic violence.
• Conducts clinical assessments of patients presenting with emotional, mental health and substance abuse issues and coordinates with internal and external providers for care and safe discharge planning once the appropriate disposition is identified.
• Uses information obtained to work with the treatment team to create a discharge plan that incorporates the psychosocial needs of the patient.
• Assists patients and families to understand, accept, and follow treatment recommendations.
• Utilizes resources to assist patients to resume life in the community or to the next level of care.
• Assists patients and family in understanding and negotiating with third party payers as well as other community services.

2. Assists in patient care planning to ensure continuation of treatment in an atmosphere conducive to preservation of health.

3. Provides information and referral for continuing care and crisis intervention.

4. Works cooperatively with co-workers and communicates effectively with departmental staff; other departmental personnel and health care facilities; physicians, patients, and visitors.

5. Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.

6. Performs other work-related duties as requested / directed.

Qualifications