SUBSTANCE ABUSE SOCIAL WORKER - GROW - FULL TIME

General Summary

The Substance Abuse Social Worker provides quality and organized psychotherapy and social services for identified clients and families. She/he maintains accurate and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant regulations and standards regarding the provision of social services and of the implementation of treatment and discharge planning. The Substance Abuse Social Worker assures the collection and evaluation of social and psychotherapeutic services according to departmental policy, demonstrates professional behavior, and supports the philosophy of Gibson Area Hospital.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the Communities we serve.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Clinical

• Interviews clients and families or significant others to obtain social, medical, and mental health history and data pertaining to treatment and discharge planning. Substance Abuse Social Worker will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of motivational interviewing skills and other evidence based practices, when communicating with patients and families.
• Interprets variables of social situations and socio-economic status as these relate to client’s condition, admission and current and post-discharge needs; modifies treatment accordingly.
• Meets in individual, family or group psychotherapy sessions with clients, families, or both, as requested by Medical Director, Primary Care Providers, or Treatment Team, or to address issues identified in the Social, Mental, and Physical History that affect treatment and discharge.
• Provides patient education relating to the illness of substance dependency, the process of addiction recovery, and the components of Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) program.
• Completes individual comprehensive assessment and intake of new patients. The Substance Abuse Social Worker is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the assessment and intake process.
• Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, by collaboration and consultation to provide appropriate care. When consulting with the interdisciplinary team, the Substance Abuse Social Worker will exercise good judgement when assessing these situations and making decisions regarding treatment issues on site and by phone.
• Provides recommendations regarding mental health, socio-economic, and medical needs to the treatment team. The Substance Abuse Social Worker can provide brief intervention, or work with the patient for an extended period of time based on the needs identified.
• Functions as a liaison with other community-based agencies and law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of treatment (referrals) and compliance to legal obligations.
• Represents the program at educational meetings as requested by Medical Director.
• Collects ongoing data results for cognitive and affective testing as requested by the Medical Director and/or physicians.
• Actively participates in the development of OBAT and additional programs to target substance use disorder in the GAH system.
  
  

General and Administrative

• Displays flexibility, cooperation, and a positive attitude in regard to work.
• Recognizes own learning needs and shows motivation to meet them.
• Fulfills responsibilities in a reliable and dependable manner and uses time effectively.
• Exhibits effective communication skills (oral, written, and listening.)
• Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
• Uses initiative and judgment to assure that circumstances requiring attention are referred to the appropriate team member.
• Cultivates and maintains professional relationships with clients, families, and hospital staff to facilitate work of the entire organization.
• Displays honesty and integrity; trust-worthiness.
• Greets customers in warm, hospitable manner.
• Asks questions to identify and ensure accurate interpretation of customer needs.
• Finds innovative ways to exceed customer needs.
• Evaluates own performance based on customer satisfaction.
• Flexible in adapting to changing situations and overcoming obstacles.
• Insists on accuracy and takes extra measures to maintain high standard of quality.
• Accepts responsibility for personal contribution toward the success of the organization and assists in other ways to achieve organizational goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Medical Director.
  
  

Regulatory and Compliance

• Ensures that patient confidentially is protected, complies with release of information to all outside referrals and contacts, and adheres to electronic medical records guidelines.
• Ensures that all work is in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Adheres to all Gibson Area Hospital policies and procedures, as outlined in the employee handbook and departmental policies and procedures, pertaining to annual education requirements, dress code, attendance, and general performance standards.
• Works cooperatively with the Medical Director in ensuring that all relevant regulations and standards are met, including HFAP, Medicare, and state licensure requirements.
• Collects and compiles data and completes reports as requested by the hospital, Medical Director, and as required by the unit’s Quality Improvement Plan.