What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker-MSW position at Eisenhower Medical Center?
- Job Objective: A brief overview of the position.
- The Social Worker is responsible for coordinating the complex discharge planning needs of patients and their families, as well as to provide supportive counseling, psychosocial assessment and interventions for patients with complex psychiatric, social, medical and financial needs.
- Reports to
Manager, Case Management
- Supervises
- None
- Ages of Patients
- Pediatric
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Geriatric
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Minimal/ No Potential
- Qualifications
- Education
- Required: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Licensure/Certification
- N/A
- Experience
- Preferred: Social work experience in healthcare setting
- Education
- Essential Responsibilities
- Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
- Completes psychosocial assessment of patients according to professional standards. Documents using facts only without attitude, judgment or opinions. Includes all telephone calls made with person's name and phone number.
- Conducts a discharge planning needs assessment and develops a discharge plan in conjunction with the care coordinator and the interdisciplinary team to meet desired goals for the next step in the continuum.
- Communicates to patient/family, care coordinator and interdisciplinary team members the discharge options and plans for complex patients. Communicates to patients their choices regarding discharge plans, and respects these choices as defined by federal, state and regulatory requirements.
- Updates the care coordinator and team as to the status of the discharge plans. Re-evaluates and revises the discharge plan as additional information is acquired and keeps patient/family and team informed to changes in the plan.
- Works with care coordinator to obtain insurance approval for post acute services. Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practices.
- Coordinates the actual discharge plan, including transportation.
- Coordinates utilization of patient and community resources to facilitate achievement of safe and effective discharge plan and accomplishment of goals.
- Finalizes all discharge planning arrangements within 24 hours of discharge.
- Ensures that any information that would be helpful, as appropriate, to facilitate continuity of care post-discharge, are communicated to post acute provider via discharge paperwork or via phone as per departmental documentation guidelines.
- Follows up on discharge planning issues identified by nursing staff during off hours.
- Develops strong relationships with community health resources to ensure appropriate patient access after discharge. Completes timely referrals to post discharge providers, ensuring efficient patient flow and adherence to federal and regulatory requirements.
- Screens patients, upon referral or according to high risk criteria for psychosocial needs. Conducts psychosocial assessment when indicated to identify emotional, social and environmental issues impacting quality outcomes and r\efficient patient throughput.
- Provides crises intervention, supportive counseling and advocacy to assist patients and/or family with adjustment associated with illness, hospitalization and/or alternative care placement. Facilitates the decision making process in complex cases.
- Communicates findings to care coordinator and other members of the interdisciplinary team and intervenes as appropriate in order to ensure a proactive approach to crisis intervention and efficient patient throughput.
- Helps patients understand their rights in regards to patient choice, medical treatment, advanced directives and other related issues.
- Helps patient/family understand, accept and follow medical recommendations within the context of self-determination.
- Initiates appropriate referrals to the Ethics Committee, Physician Advisor, Risk Management or Legal Services, as appropriate.
- Facilitates resolution of issues surrounding patient care in a compassionate manner, functioning as a patient advocate.
- Serves as a resource to hospital staff and physicians concerning social issues (i.e., APS, CPS, Domestic Violence, the 5150 process, DPOA, mental health).
- Ensures advance directives are in place and honored according to patient wishes.
- Facilitates resource acquisition for the unfunded patient, as available.
- Provides education to patient and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient's diagnosis, illness, treatment, discharge plan and/or life situation.
- Serves as a resource to members of the interdisciplinary team and patient/family regarding coverage issues, discharge options and community resources. Participates in team meetings.
- Documents according to hospital policy.
- Collaborates with Care Coordinator to promote continuous process improvement, which results in efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the highest level of clinical excellence.
- Collaborates with physicians, nursing and other healthcare disciplines to promote continuous process improvement, which results in efficiency, cost effectiveness and the highest level of clinical excellence.
- Calls in and writes APS and CPS reports when warranted, copies filed.
- Performs 5150 assessments, locates facility and facilitates placement of 5150 patients.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
