Social Services Specialist

Social Services SpecialistRelief, Variable Pay range: $37.73 - $56.60 Licensed Pay Range: $40.75 - $61.14 Relief Differential: 15% in lieu of benefitsSt. Charles Health SystemJob DescriptionPosition OverviewThe Social Services Specialist assists in meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and their families by helping patients utilize services to achieve optimum level of function throughout the continuum of care. In addition, the Social Services Specialist provides supportive counseling, end-of-life support, care planning, and brief interventions including assessment and treatment for patients experiencing coexisting medical concerns and social/behavioral/mental health issues. The Social Services Specialist provides a therapeutic presence in services to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way.This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.Essential Functions and DutiesFunctions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team to assure care is accomplished effectively and efficiently in a cost-effective manner and establishes, reviews and revises the plan of care for each patient.Coordinates care plans as a consultative service with collaboration of interdisciplinary teams to address psychosocial needs related to injuries, accidents, and critical incidents.Advocates for patient's needs, ensuring they receive appropriate services and resources to assist in continuum of care and discharge planning.Participates with team members in facilitating patient's and family's learning throughout the continuum of care. Reinforces patient's continued health care through teaching and referrals, advocates for patient rights, and addresses barriers to care.Provides bio-psychosocial and trauma-informed interventions, support, and referrals to patients and families. Collaborates to identify coping strategies and support mechanisms. Identifies and communicates community resources, acting as a resource for patients and families throughout the continuum of care.Provides brief, evidence-based interventions for emotional distress. Assesses threats of self-harm or harm to others.Provides education, support, community resources, and care planning for palliative care, hospice and bereavement needs.Conducts comprehensive assessments of economic, mental health, family dynamics, and social support systems. Evaluates Social Determinants of Health and connects patients with appropriate resources.Provides substance abuse assessments and brief interventions (SBIRT, DAST) and refers to outpatient behavioral health for follow-up for patients scoring positively on the Columbia Suicide Risk Assessment.Identifies victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Makes appropriate referrals and notifies the Department of Human Services (DHS) and/or law enforcement when applicable.Provides information, education and resource referrals related to advance directives, power of attorneys, guardianship, conservatorship, and long-term care services. Assists in navigating legal avenues for guardianship and navigating pathways through local and state resources.Gathers and documents data promptly, ensuring compliance with department standards. Maintains accurate records of patient interactions, assessments, and interventions. Collaborates with electronic health record systems to document social work interventions.Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the health system's corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violations of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all company investigations and proceedings.Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a timely, efficient, and accurate way that promotes goodwill.Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.EducationRequired: Master's level degree in Social Work or Behavioral Sciences.Preferred: NALicensure/Certification/RegistrationRequired: Valid current Oregon driver's license and ability to meet SCHS driving requirements for Home Health, Hospice and Behavioral Health departments.Preferred: Accredited Case Manager Certification (ACMA:ACM-SW). Member of the National Association of Social Worker's or another national association membership.ExperienceRequired: One (1) year experience in a healthcare or social work related field.Preferred: Two (2) years of experience in a hospital setting.Personal Protective EquipmentMust be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.Physical RequirementsContinually (75% or more): Use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.Frequently (50%): Sitting, keyboard operation.Occasionally (25%): Standing, walking, bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-10 pounds, grasping/squeezing, operation of a motor vehicle, ability to hear whispered speech level.Never (0%): Climbing ladder/step-stool, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 11-50 pounds.Exposure to Elemental FactorsOccasionally (25%): Chemical solution for Laboratory Caregivers.Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area.Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, chemical solution, uneven surface.Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure CategoryRisk for Exposure to BBP