Social Worker

Under supervision of the Director of Case Management, assists in the integration of Social Service functions into the patient care, discharge and home planning processes with other hospital departments, external service organizations, agencies and healthcare facilities.  Provides resources and services to assigned patients as appropriate.  Ensures compliance with quality patient care and regulatory standards.  The Social Worker intervenes with patients who have complex psychosocial needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. In addition, offers crisis intervention to patients and families with psychosocial needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations. This role will receive referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team member (including physicians, Case Managers, staff nurses and other members of the care team).

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

1. Performs psychosocial assessment and interventions.  On the basis of preliminary risk screening, assesses patients and family’s psychosocial risk factor through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope.

2.  Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of illness and/or disability; accesses and mobilizes family/community resources to meet identified needs.

3.  Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse/neglect, guardianship (temporary/permanent), foster care, adoption, mental health placement, advance directive, domestic violence, elderly abuse/neglect, institutional abuse and sexual assault.

4.  Serves as a resource and provides counseling and intervention related to treatment decisions and end-of-life issues.

5.  Assists indigent patients in securing prescribed medications, transportation, and equipment using available community resources.

6.  Advocates for patient and family empowerment and independence to make autonomous health care decisions and access needed services within the health care system.

7.  Participates in discharge planning activities for complex patients, in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers.       

8.  Ensures safe care to patients adhering to policies, procedures and standards within budgetary specifications: including; time management, supply management, productivity, and accuracy of practice.

9.  Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, skills competency, supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization. Serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experience staff.

10. Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.

11.  Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.

12.  Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.

13.  Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.

14.  Performs all other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Education: Master’s degree in Social Work required.

Experience: One year of social work experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Current Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Texas, or immediately eligible to obtain within one year of employment. 

Required Skills: Must have strong analytical, data management, organizational and time management skills. 

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources