What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker position at Satanta District Hospital?
DESCRIPTION: As a member of the multidisciplinary care team, the Social Worker provides assessment, counseling, discharge planning, financial assistance coordination and other relevant assistance to patients, and families. The Social Worker also directs and participates in the department services to ensure that programs are appropriate for the needs and interests of each swing bed patient and encourage self-care, resumption of normal activities, and the maintenance of an optimal level of psychological functioning.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential job functions are completed proper documentation required for the Social Services Department, assess new potential residents with Director of Nursing, clerical work, attending trainings and seminars, and QA monthly report.
Essential Functions:
1. The Social Worker assesses the patient’s needs to provide information for medical and allied health staff. This includes interviewing patients, families, and others to obtain social histories. The Social Worker evaluates data gathered to formulate a Care Plan consistent with diagnosed needs and participates in Case Management, Discharge Planning, Care Plan conferences, and family conferences to communicate the data; and documents all significant information in patient charts.
2. The incumbent provides consultation to patients and families. Areas include Advance Directives, interpersonal relationships, stressful life events, disabling diseases, chemical abuse, terminal illnesses, adjustments to treatment, and changes in living situations. Techniques include individual counseling, and family counseling.
3. The incumbent assists and advises patients and families with financial matters concerning health care as well as other assistance and services that may be needed. This includes insurance benefits or lack of them; directing patients, and families in obtaining appropriate financial resources; assisting patients and families in applying for financial assistance such as worker’s compensation, insurance coverage, medical assistance, private and governmental aid programs, etc. This could also include emergency housing, food, clothing, and transportation, tutoring services, payment of hospital and medical bills on a schedule, and arranging for legal matters.
4. The incumbent coordinates the discharge planning process. This includes making transportation arrangements, arranging for Meals on Wheels, Home Health Referrals, or home medical equipment, arranging for nursing home or Medicare skilled care placement, arranging transfers to other facilities, and assisting patients in finding housing and employment.
5. The incumbent maintains records and statistics on patients. This includes preparing social histories, social history updates, discharge plans, and progress notes in patient charts and oral reports in Case Management, Discharge Plan, and Care Plan conferences. This also includes maintaining records and statistics on patients and prepares letters and reports for outside agencies on referrals.
6. This incumbent gives education on Advance Directives and management of these documents.
7. This incumbent gives Abuse-Neglect-Exploitation education and reporting
8. The Social Worker organizes, establishes and updates policies and procedures in accordance with Hospital policies and related local, state, and federal regulations.
9. The Social Worker is involved in promoting public relations in the community by writing newspaper articles, sending out newsletters, and organizing community groups to participate in community events when required. The Social Worker acts as a contact person to the facility auxiliary. The community is adequately informed of events in the facility and is encouraged to participate.
10. Social Worker is responsible for providing Patient Portal education to all patients.
11. Social Worker is responsible for providing education to patients who request information on Advanced Directives, assisting with completion of documents as requested.
In addition to the functions described above, this role may include other responsibilities and duties as assigned on occasion, based upon Decatur Health needs or requirements. Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Technical Skills:
• Requires knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.
• Demonstrates oral and written communication skills, ability to organize and prioritize workload under pressures of deadlines, ability to work with details.
• Requires knowledge of community agencies and resources as well as current social, economic, and health programs.
• The ability to communicate effectively and computer skills are essential
Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Education and/or Experience:
Education/Experience: Bachelor of Social Work or other related degree. This position requires a thorough understanding of Social Work principles, skills, techniques, and human behavior.
Other qualifications/certificate/license: Must meet the requirements of the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board in the state of KS to practice Social Work and hold a license. Must be certified CARE assessor and Certified SHICK partner.
Experience is required in working with complex psycho-social problems, working with individuals and groups, applying a wide range of counseling and interventive techniques, and applying Social Work principles in a medical setting. This position must meet all state certification requirements.
Reasoning Abilities:
Ability to carry out detailed written and/or verbal instructions. Ability to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to define problems, investigate the situation, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Temperament:
Must be friendly and helpful yet exhibit professionalism as this is a people environment and everyone is our customer.
Working Conditions:
• Subject to many interruptions
• Working with different personalities and behaviors.
• May be exposed to toxic chemicals and medical equipment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasional heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs)
• Occasional prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
Salary : $27 - $36