Statement of Purpose:

The Senior Social Worker plays a critical role in providing advanced social work services to patients and their families in ambulatory clinics. The position involves conducting psychosocial assessments and treatments, developing care plans, coordinating discharge planning, outreach, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient care. The senior social worker will work with the care managers in the medical practices and the nursing teams in the specialty services. As well as provide consultation to the health care providers regarding patients’ care needs and community resources. The Senior Social Worker will provide guidance and mentorship to junior social workers and assists in program development and policy implementation.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific Responsibilities Administrative
Responsible for the clinical supervision of the social work staff in the assigned clinical areas Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and hospital committees. Carries out administrative, teaching and consultation responsibilities associated with social work and ambulatory programs. Participate in audit, quality improvement initiatives, and risk management activities. Participates in social work consultation about his/her work in accordance with plan development with supervisor and practice clinical providers. Maintain a thorough knowledge of social work practices and the policies of community agencies through workshops, symposia, and social work literature. Meet with members of the community agencies to share information, procedures and techniques.
Clinical
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs. These patients include but are not limited to; persons in need of resource assistance or protection; persons experiencing emotional/mental health crises; and patients with new, chronic or terminal medical diagnoses. Develop and implement individualized care and discharge plans in coordination with the healthcare team. Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and counseling to patients and their families. Advocate with the care managers and nursing team for patient rights and access to necessary hospital and community resources. Assist patients in navigating complex healthcare and social service systems. Collaborate with physicians, nurses, case managers and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless transitions of care. Arrange post-hospital services, including rehabilitation, home health care, hospice, and long-term care placements. Address social determinants of health, such as housing, financial assistance, and transportation needs. Act as a liaison and provide referrals to community agencies, government programs, and support groups. Ensure compliance with HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid guidelines, and other healthcare regulations. Document all social work activities in the patients’ medical records. Maintain accurate and timely patient records in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements. Performs other duties as assigned. Vouchers as applicable. Provides coverage as requested during absence of co-workers

Leadership & Mentorship
Provide ongoing supervision, training and mentorship to junior social workers, interns and care managers as applicable. Provide consultation and guidance on complex patient cases. Assist in developing and implementing hospital policies and best practices for social work services.

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS

Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:

Considering first the well-being of the patient. Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest, and respectful manner. Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times. Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral, or behavioral. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and in-service programs. Meets mandatory inservice and competency requirements. All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality. All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital. Arrives for work on time and as scheduled. Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety. Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures. May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities. Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies. When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis. Employees scheduled on call must report within 30 minutes of receiving a call. Operating Room staff must report within 20 minutes of receiving a call. If applicable, demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to all ages of patients as documented by training and competency assessment.

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited institution required.

EXPERIENCE: Licensure as master Social Worker (LMSW). Minimum of three years hospital based social work experience. Two years’ professional work practice beyond master’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in crisis intervention, discharge planning, and care coordination. Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

CONTACTS: Excellent communication and team skills including the ability to form strong collaborative interdisciplinary partnership across care settings. Sound computer knowledge and skills including and aptitude for using health information technology to guide care management activities and functions. Ability to work independently and met deadlines. Creativity and strong organizational skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sitting, standing, walking, extensive phone and keyboard usage.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal Office