Medical Social Worker, Social Services

Position Summary:

Provides professional social work services to designated patient population, and provides counseling and discharge planning as well as other social work services to patients and families on the assigned units. The general practice of social work in a hospital setting includes interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, information and referral, problem solving, client education, and advocacy. This position has documented advance practice skills via certification and experience.

Responsibilities

• Assists patients/family/significant other with physical, emotional, and social concerns that arise during the hospital stay.
• Provides discharge planning services to patients needing this service on assigned units.
• Completes required documentation prerequisites for placement/authorizations prior to discharge.
• Completes initial assessment and continued documentation to obtain pertinent background/social/ financial data. Documents social determinants of health as indicated in medical record.
• Connects patients/family/significant other with community resources to aid in their treatment and recovery.
• Acts as facility liaison with adult and children protective services as indicated.
• Cooperates with hospital staff and physicians and keeps them informed of progress with patients via verbal communication and chart documentation in medical record.
• Exhibits the skills of empathy, communication, organization, critical thinking, active listening, and patience.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited social work program with state licensure (LBSW) OR Master’s degree (MSW) from accredited graduate social work program.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of experience.

Licensure Requirement:

If Bachelor prepared, must be licensed (LBSW). No licensure required with MSW.