What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Social Worker position at Always Best Care Senior Service?
The Medical Social Worker provides medical social services to patients in the home as prescribed by the attending physician. This position is a key member of the interdisciplinary team and supervises the Social Work Assistant. The Medical Social Worker reports directly to the Clinical Manager.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide rehabilitative and supportive casework aimed at restoring patients to their optimal level of social and health adjustment.Assist patients and their families in understanding, accepting, and following medical recommendations.Help patients utilize family and community resources by referring them or acting as an intermediary with health and welfare agencies.Address personal and environmental difficulties interfering with medical care, including counseling and assistance with long-term care placement.Develop a care plan in collaboration with the physician, patient, family, and other team members.Supervise the Social Work Assistant through conference calls, record reviews, direct supervision, and home visits.DocumentationComplete medical social service evaluations and visit reports on the day of service, adhering to agency documentation timelines.Prepare discharge / transfer summaries in accordance with agency timelines.Submit weekly visiting schedules and maintain accurate records of work hours.Document Social Work Assistant supervisory activities.CommunicationRespond to referral requests within 24 hours and complete initial visits within 72 hours unless dictated otherwise by the physician or patient needs.Consult with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to provide insight into social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting patient health.Maintain confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.Provide case updates to the primary nurse / case manager regarding patient status, concerns, and changes in needs.Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure coordinated care.Report immediate clinical needs to the supervising nurse or designee.Professional StandardsMaintain a professional image and adhere to agency policies and standards.Follow infection control and safety procedures.Comply with Social Work Practice Act regulations and Social Work Practice Standards.Professional DevelopmentAttend all mandatory in-services and additional staff meetings.Participate in educational sessions, quality improvement programs, and professional development activities.Continue to expand knowledge through formal education, workshops, conferences, and independent study.Additional ResponsibilitiesPerform other duties as assigned.QualificationsMaster's degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program.Licensed Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Minimum one year of experience in a healthcare setting.Reliable transportation for travel between assignments; valid driver's license and insurance required.Current CPR and First Aid certification.Clear criminal history report and required regulatory clearances (e.g., Childline, FBI, OIG, Medicheck, EPLS / SAM).Work Environment and Physical RequirementsModerate exposure to communicable diseases; Hepatitis B vaccine offered.Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., carry up to 20 lbs., and perform tasks requiring bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, and repetitive motions.Ability to navigate stairs and uneven walkways.Strong verbal, hearing, and visual acuity required to assess and educate patients and communicate with healthcare professionals.Proficiency with medical equipment, supplies, charts, and computer systems.This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care by providing essential social work services in a home healthcare setting. If you are passionate about patient advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration, we encourage you to apply!
