Clinical Social Worker

Summary

Reports to the Practice Manager or Director. Provides short-term therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention to patients and families regarding psycho-social needs and concerns. Assists patients and families in understanding the psycho-social implications of diagnosis and the complexities of the medical situation. Uses assessment tools and provides appropriate intervention(s) in order to provide and expedite care which meets a patient's often-complex needs. Identifies and resolves barriers that hinder effective patient care. Provides assistance to patients who may require community services or social insurance programs.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart. VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion. SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Provides short-term therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention to patients and families regarding financial, social and home care arrangements by:

Reviewing patients' charts and conferring with appropriate medical and nursing staff to gather the pertinent data that is necessary for a comprehensive/holistic evaluation of the patient's ongoing needs. Interviewing the patient and/or family in order to obtain the pertinent medical, financial, social and/or psychological data that is needed to prepare the necessary biopsychosocial assessments for diagnosis and treatment. Collaborating with the appropriate multi-disciplinary healthcare team in order to ensure seamless coordination of efforts within the healthcare team. Developing treatment plans based on consultation with the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, professional knowledge of treatment modalities, available resources, medical data and psycho-social information. Involving the patient and family in care planning and treatment decisions. Documenting assessments, interventions and outcomes in order to maintain appropriate case records and statistics in accordance with Memorial Health System's (and BMG's) requirements and the standards of outside agencies.

Uses a variety of treatment modalities to provide services for patients with complex medical, emotional, social, financial needs, and other environmental problems, which are affecting the patient's illness, recovery and/or rehabilitation by:

Providing or co-facilitating therapeutic counseling and psychotherapy sessions (individual or group) for patients and families. Assisting patients and families in understanding the psycho-social implications of diagnosis and the complexities of the medical situation. Participating in and/or facilitating multi-disciplinary healthcare team conferences in order to present case summaries and assist in recommending, developing and/or coordinating an adequate treatment program for the patient. Communicating with other BMG staff (such as the Healthcare Financial Advocate, Site Billing Representative and/or Medication Assistance Program Representative) regarding a patient's financial situation; also utilizing knowledge of available programs. Ensuring quality care is provided by identifying and helping to resolve barriers that hinder effective patient care in order to move the patient efficiently through the continuum of care. Assisting with the development and coordination of the patient's care during the course of treatment by maintaining continuous collaboration with the multi-disciplinary healthcare team members. Providing adequate follow-up assessments through telephone or personal contact with patients and families. 

Actively coordinates and facilitates the development of a continuity of care plan for the patient by:

Gathering information from a variety of sources, including multi-disciplinary healthcare team members. Referring patients and families to community agencies and resources in order to address the patient's needs and/or problems. Identifying patient and family needs for services and expediting the arrangement of services to ensure continuity of care, while also keeping quality of care and costs in mind. Acting as an advocate for certain patients in order to help them secure needed community services, financial counseling, social insurance (for example, programs for sick or disabled persons) or housing. Providing conflict management between patients and families or between patients and families and the multi-disciplinary healthcare team.

Takes appropriate action on referrals received from a variety of multi-disciplinary healthcare team members by:

Gathering information in order to assess the needs of the patient (and/or the family). Prioritizing the referral as it relates to current workload. Contacting other healthcare team members to collaborate on the best method of providing care that meets the patient's needs.

Participates in appropriate community activities related to social services functions by:

Providing consultation and education to agencies and groups when requested. Providing outpatient counseling to appropriate individuals, families or groups. Providing ongoing therapeutic counseling to support groups and team members when requested. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with community agencies/facilities, groups, etc. in order to be familiar with available resources. Attending community meetings outside the hospital.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

Staying abreast of recent developments in the field of expertise. Participating in Hospital activities and committees when appropriate. Serving as a resource to Beacon Health System and the community in area(s) of expertise. Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared. Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes. Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes. Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year. Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department. Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self. Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. Complies with established organization and department policies. Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.
Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way: Leverage innovation everywhere. Cultivate human talent. Embrace performance improvement. Build greatness through accountability. Use information to improve and advance. Communicate clearly and continuously. Education and Experience The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), including knowledge of current trends, developments, treatment modalities, etc. for patients with social and/or psychological disorders. Additional case management experience is desired. Must have worked in a setting performing essential hospital or healthcare social work functions for two to three years. Licensure (or eligibility for licensure) in the State of Indiana as a licensed social worker or licensed clinical social worker is required. The ability to speak and/or write in a second language is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

Requires the skills necessary to provide self-directed social work services, including therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention. Requires the clinical assessment skills needed to provide clinical problem solving. Also requires general knowledge of illnesses, current treatments and their psycho-social effects. Requires thorough knowledge of the community agencies, services, entitlement programs and resources that are available to assist patients and families. Requires knowledge of state and local adult and child protective legal mandates. Demonstrates the ability to maintain professional composure under pressure and the ability to effectively handle crises. Also requires independent professional judgment, initiative and well-developed analytical and planning skills. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-specific care appropriate to the patients served. Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships. Also requires the ability to gain others' trust and cooperation. Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication (both verbal and written) skills necessary to counsel patients and families with psychological and/or social disorders. This also requires the ability to communicate in a tactful, sincere and effective manner with physicians, staff members and outside agencies. Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills and related applications; also requires the ability to access the Internet. Demonstrates the ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude. Demonstrates and maintains ethical conduct which is reflected by showing respect for the patient's confidentiality and the self-determination of the patient and/or family.

Working Conditions

Works in a high-stress office and patient care environment with rapidly-shifting priorities and competing demands. Also has some contact with patients and family members who may be under considerable stress. Requires the ability to work flexible hours to handle urgent situations.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.

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