MSW

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary

The MSW provides social work services to patients and family as a part of the interdisciplinary care team. Addresses the psycho-social needs and concerns of the patient and their family in planning care, developing resources to meet patient and/or family needs, patient, family and community education. Participates in the development and implementation of appropriate measures of patient care quality and satisfaction. May facilitate support groups and provide patient/family/staff education and in-service activities to promote understanding of the psychosocial impact of chronic illness. Assesses for pre-death grief and bereavement needs of the patient and family. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.


Essential Functions

Assesses for parenting risk and coordinates safe discharge plans with health care team and community agencies such as maternal child health programs, public health, CPS and social agencies. Performs comprehensive assessments on patients, which includes medical, psychosocial, functional, vocational and financial information, through interviews with appropriately involved parties. Provides counseling and resource assistance in the event of a perinatal death. Meets with patient planning adoption following delivery to confirm plan, provide emotional support and oversight to assure legal requirements are met. Determines level of risk to self or to others a grave disability, including need for voluntary vs. involuntary psychiatric and chemical dependency. If involuntary, contacts VOA to communicate significant clinical findings. Assess for need for involuntary intervention and contacts VOA to communicate significant clinical findings. Arranges for voluntary psychiatric hospitalization, statewide. Provide crisis intervention and counseling to reduce emotional, financial or interpersonal stressors. Responds to trauma codes and provides support and grief work as needed. Provides patient crisis intervention and counseling to reduce emotional, financial or interpersonal stressors. Develops/implements discharge plans with patients, their support system and payors to achieve a timely and safe discharge. Assesses for abuse/neglect, exploitation or abandonment and follows mandatory reporting guidelines. Assesses for suicide risks, chemical dependency and other behavioral health needs. Makes referrals to appropriate services. Encourages patient to express and document their end of life care values and assists with facilitation/education of advanced directives. Links patients with community resources based on needs, age appropriateness, cultural relevancy and eligibility criteria. Facilitates and/or participates in interdisciplinary care conferences for care planning and goal clarification. Suggests ethics committee and/or risk management consultation if ethical/legal dilemmas arise. Complies with all SRH Policies and Procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by Director.


Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree required from an accredited program.


Experience/Training

Minimum one (1) year of professional paid social work experience or graduate practicum placement in an applicable healthcare setting required. Experience in palliative care, hospice, clinic and/or hospital setting strongly preferred.


License/Certifications

Current Washington State Social Work licensure (LICSW or LICSW-A) required or a LICSW-A application must be submitted to WA State DOH within the first thirty (30) days of employment. Current employees that do not hold a LICSW or LICSW-A shall have until 6/15/2024 to obtain.


Other Skills

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to practice collaboratively. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment characterized by frequent interruptions and competing priorities. Proven ability to intervene across a broad range of family, group and individual dynamics. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to social work values and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards of Cultural Competence in Social Work. Knowledge of health care regulations, laws, ethics and policies related to applicable healthcare setting. Knowledge of needs assessment, resource identification, acquisition and community resources. Experience in methods application, casework, supervision and training.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and driving all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in a variety of communities and patient homes for which there is little control over environmental conditions.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.