SOC WORKER-MS at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Job Summary:

The Social Worker assists patients and their families with personal and environmental difficulties which predispose illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from health and medical care. Plans, organizes and implements social work services to patients and families. Uses professional knowledge and a team approach to provide medical and social interventions for patients who are influenced by health impairments. Provides discharge planning services, emotional care, advocacy, and maintains effective working relationships with community resources and services. Reports to the Rehab Therapy Manager of Rehabilitation Department. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served; also demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed. Perform other job duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

Performance Expectations that are job specific will be covered during your department orientation. You will be assessed for your competency of these expectations during your first 90 days of employment

Demonstrates proficiency in required computer documentation of all assessments, communications, and interventions according to policy Demonstrates the ability to use critical thinking with patient care evaluation and/or treatment Assesses patient's capacity for self-care or support structure after discharge Consults with patient, family members, and multidisciplinary team to determine the most appropriate discharge plan Provides timely updates re: discharge planning to patient, individual acting on his or her behalf, and multidisciplinary team Evaluates patient's need for post-hospital services, service availability, and arranges for post-hospital care before discharge to avoid unnecessary delays in discharge Demonstrates knowledge of community resources and insurance coverage for both their scope of service and their limitations

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Master degree in social work from accredited school of social work required. Medical social work preferred.

Work Experience:

Prefer two years of social work experience in a health-related agency or facility.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as defined by Section 75-53-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. Prefered LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker)

Mental Demands:

Ability to organize required tasks, cooperate with others, follow policy/procedures, and relate effectively with patients, families, physicians, other health professionals, and the general public. Ability to initiate and guide others in problem-solving process. Ability to become familiar with community agencies.