Behavioral Health Social Worker

Overview

The social worker assesses and assists with creating a plan to meet the mental health needs of patients. They work within the multi-disciplinary team to provide patients with a safe environment; education and knowledge to improve coping skills, support networks and outpatient follow up.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• •Assess patients for continuing care needs, creates plan for providing continuing care, and confers with physician and team members as needed.
• Reviews plan of care with patient and family as appropriate
• Refers patient or patient's family to other community resources as is indicated;
• Educates patients about resources, options and documents all activities in a timely manner.
• The BH SW 1 provides emotional support, helps patients and families understand and develop coping skills related to behavioral health diagnosis and symptoms; utilizes community resources to assist patients to live in the community; may be responsible for travel arrangements for patients; responsible for arranging changes in levels of care and settings
• The BHSW 1 participates in IDT meetings.
•  Collaborates with team members for ongoing assessment, evaluation and planning of care.
• Uses verbal de-escalation skills when dealing with agitated patients.
• Assists with admission and discharge paperwork and maintaining safety of patients.
• May lead psycho-educational groups and one-to-one counseling.
• May complete ED and medical floor consults.
• May be required to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays depending on program

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Bachelors of Social Work from an approved school of social work

Behavioral health experience desired

Certification and Licensure

CSW or LSW

Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days

Skills and AbilitiesComputer skillsPhone skillsSpecial Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, kneel, walk and on occasion run short distances; use hands to handle, finger and feel; and reach. The employee must exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision. Occasional distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Level of Supervision

No supervisory responsibility

Supervises

N/A