Provides social work services for patients and families to enhance their psychosocial functioning. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
Safety/Risk Management:
a. Follows confidentiality policy with regard to patient information spoken, written or exchanged with others.
b. Complies with Infection Control guidelines.
c. Complies with patient rights and regulations.
d. Adheres to hospital wide and department safety regulations.
Coordination of Services:
a. Serves as advocate for the patient/family to the Interdisciplinary Team and encourages patient/family participation in the plan of treatment and discharge plan.
b. Works with the patient/family member, the Interdisciplinary team members, including physician and nursing, for appropriate plan of care, including discharge needs.
c. Participates in QI activities that identify ways to improve patient care.
d. Is knowledgeable of community resources and utilizes resources wisely.
e. Makes sure arrangements for patient discharge are appropriately and safely carried out.
Basic Aspects:
a. Provides therapy and counseling services, case management, patient education and discharge planning specifically for the behavioral health population. Duties also assures that the related emotional and social needs of the patient are met and maintained on an individual basis.
b. Completes initial assessments on each patient to include demographic and psychosocial information. Assures information is documented in medical record for each discipline to use.
c. Serves as advocate for patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
Coordinates care with other community providers.
d. Completes accurate and thorough psychosocial assessment on a regular and timely basis.
e. Appropriately assess and intervenes in situations of abuse or neglect. Makes appropriate Division of Aging referral and Child Abuse Hotline.
f. Assists patients and family members with identifying discharge and follow-up needs for ongoing mental health, medical and other services.
g. Completes required documentation on clinical record. Attends clinical staffing and provides input on patient status and discharge plan.
h. Updates and maintains care plan to reflect changing needs of patients utilizing appropriate resources and documents patients and/or family response to education.
i. Keeps abreast of regulatory changes. Participates in annual review and revision of policies and procedures according to JCAHO standards.
j. Provides community resource information to patients and families.
k. Demonstrates flexibility regarding workload, assignments and change.
Communication Management:
a. Uses education and expertise to act as resource for Social Worker I position for psychosocial counseling.
b. Provides support and education to patients and families to facilitate and adaptation to illness and compliance with recommended treatment.
c. Communicates with patients and families in a timely manner in regard to patients' progress, needs, and discharge plans.
d. Develops and maintains relationships with community agencies.
e. Communicates patient goals and changes in status to other Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team members and utilizes input to revise care plan for optimum patient benefit.
f. Makes independent decisions in routine and complex situations and informs appropriate persons of actions and results.
g. Gives thorough information to Clinical Supervisor or other covering clinicians as needed.
Technology:
a. Maintains knowledge base through continuing education and applies knowledge to current social work practice.
b. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Education
Master's in Social Work, Required, or has satisfactorily completed all requirements for the MSW but awaiting conferment by the educational facility, for all Social Worker IIs hired after 12/25/2011.
(Social Worker IIs hired before December 2011 met previous job description education requirements.)
Licensure
Current license in Social Work in the state of employment (LMSW, LCSW), Minimum
Experience
0-2 years experience in acute care hospital setting, Minimum Preferred
Other Skills & Knowledge
1. Strong verbal and written communication and facilitation skills.
2. Strong assessment skills, time management skills, critical thinking skills.
3. Advanced computer skills.
4. The assessment, care and treatment provided by Social Worker II will be consistent with the specific age-related needs of the patient. Is competent to care for patient age groups including neonatal/infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric adult patients.
5. Skills and knowledge of human behavior and clinical aspects of medical Social Work.
6. Ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and situations at all levels of the organization.
7. Valid Drivers license and current Motor Vehicle Registration
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.