Social Work Assistant at Westchester Medical Center – Kingston, New York

The Social Work Assistant is responsible for providing case management and discharge planning services. This professional is a key member of the Case Management treatment team and is an active member in the inpatient unit's multidisciplinary daily meeting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functions as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assists Discharge Planner with post discharge care of patients by sending and following up with referrals to appropriate community agencies to meet aftercare needs.
• Documents all interaction timely and accurately.
• Exhibits high standards of guest, staff and community relations and maintains professional behavior in performing these duties.
• Identifies problems and communicates these problems to the Discharge Planner and treatment team.
• Adheres to Mental Health Units policies and procedures in admitting new patients.
• Develops and expands knowledge of community resources and other concrete services.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area and adheres to hospital policies, procedures, and standard safe work practices.
• Maintains and fosters positive working relationships with appropriate community service providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in Acute Behavioral Health clinical specialty, preferred.
• Experience with discharge planning preferred.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma
• Associate's Degree preferred

OTHER:

• If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage a high caseload.
• Ability to manage high volume of data and successfully negotiate with the interdisciplinary staff and external agencies.