Hospital Social Worker (LSW/LGSW)

Job Title Social Worker, MSW Location Hutchinson Hospital, Hospital Care Management Department Position Summary The MSW Social Worker provides patient-centered care management services to patients and families in an inpatient hospital setting. This position serves as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and is responsible for identifying care coordination needs in collaboration with the inpatient and ambulatory care teams, along with the patient and the patient’s external support systems. Within the context of an interdisciplinary team, the MSW Social Worker participates in progressing patients toward discharge/next level of care by identifying barriers, implementing appropriate interventions, and securing transition plans that are aligned with shared goals of care. The MSW Social Worker will consistently and thoughtfully apply social work values and continuous quality improvement in daily work. Minimum Qualifications Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Master’s of Social Worker (MSW) Minimum of 1 year experience in a medical or mental health setting practicing social work Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: Current Minnesota license of Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the values, principles, and methodologies of social work Exceptional organizational and time management skills Preferred Qualifications Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Prefer 2+ years of experience as a social worker with hospital experience Essential Duties (60%) – Care Coordination and Clinical Social Work Practice Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments utilizing a patient centered, strengths based, and trauma informed approach to identify psychosocial needs, barriers to care, safety concerns, and discharge planning needs. Assess social determinants of health, support systems, mental health needs, coping strategies, substance use concerns, housing stability, financial challenges, and other factors impacting health outcomes. Obtain and integrate information from patients, families, caregivers, community providers, and interdisciplinary team members to support assessment and care planning. Collaborate with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care transition plans that promote safety, continuity of care, and optimal health outcomes. Facilitate referrals and connections to community resources, post-acute services, mental health services, and other supportive services as appropriate. Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, brief counseling, and supportive interventions related to adjustment to illness, hospitalization, grief and loss, trauma, mental health concerns and life stressors. Participate actively in interdisciplinary rounds, care conferences, and team meetings to advocate for patient needs and facilitate coordinated care planning. Assist patients and families with advance care planning, health care directives, guardianship considerations, and identification of surrogate decision-makers when appropriate. Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, healthcare funding sources, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations impacting patient care and discharge planning. Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, healthcare team members, and community partners to support coordinated, patient-centered care. Identify and escalates complex psychosocial, mental health, or system barriers that may impact patient progression, discharge readiness, or access to services. Document assessments, interventions, care plans, referrals, and patient outcomes accurately and timely within the electronic medical record. Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to organizational, legal, and ethical standards of social work practice. Utilize clinical judgement, available data, and organizational tools to support safe care transitions and identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes or readmission. Provide mental health crisis assessment, crisis intervention, suicide risk support, and coordination of mental services in collaboration with care team. (15%) Patient, Family, and Team Education Provide education, guidance, and support to patients/families/caregivers regarding psychosocial concerns, coping strategies, available resources, and post hospital care needs. Serve as a psychosocial resource to the interdisciplinary team through consultation, collaboration, and informal education. Participate in educational activities, presentations, or departmental initiatives, to enhance staff knowledge and patient care practices. Educate patients, families, and health care team members on topics such as social drivers of health, mental health and substance use, community resources and support services, healthcare funding, guardianship, advance care planning, trauma informed care, grief, loss and adjustment to illness. (15%) Collaboration and Professional Relationships Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, community agencies, and external partners. Function as an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team, contributing social work expertise to support patient centered care and effective care transitions. Participate actively in department meetings, team discussions, quality initiatives, and organizational activities. Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment through teamwork, professionalism, and shared accountability. Support departmental and organizational goals through engagement in process improvement and problem-solving efforts. (10%) Professional Development Maintain current knowledge of social work practice standards, healthcare regulations, mental health trends, and evidence based care coordination practices. Demonstrate accountability for professional growth through ongoing education, licensure maintenance, clinical supervision, and incorporation of feedback into practice. Participate in quality improvement initiatives, committees, and special projects as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. Organizational Expectations Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment. Maintains regular and timely attendance. Protects confidentiality. Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures. Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.). Values Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve. Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person. Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve. Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments. Benefits HealthPartners offers a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Equal Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr