Social Worker

Overview The Social Worker is accountable for providing biopsychosocial assessment to the patient system that serves to guide a plan of intervention which promotes obtaining and maintaining the maximum benefit of health services. Responsibilities Performs assessments to obtain information on home environment, family relationships, and health history, and patients' personality traits. Evaluates data gathered for medical plan of treatment, available social service programs, and knowledge of casework or group work and devises pertinent therapy programs to provide maximum benefits. Assists patients and/or families through various conferences to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations and instructions. Acts as patient advocate and participates in conferences on behalf of patients with other hospital personnel and community agencies. Provides advisory services on social problems, arranges for discharge or postoperative care at home or in institutions. Provides and coordinates discharge planning and follow-up to assure continuity of care. Provides counseling services to alleviate anxieties and/or fears concerning disabilities, disfiguring illnesses, or an uncertain future, and assists the patient in returning to community life; furnishes advice on financial assistance to patients or families during illnesses. Performs or assists in studies and research projects concerning problems occurring in the field of medical social work. Prepares various statistical and follow-up reports for use in planning further programs and evaluating department performance. Participates in planning educational and social programs with community agencies, the hospital, and home health. Serves as consultant and resource person for other medical team members on the social and personal aspects of patients. Performs other related duties within the scope of the job classification as assigned. Qualifications Education: Master’s Degree of Social Work required. Experience can be substituted for education. Work Experience: 1–3 years; Two (2) years casework experience in health institution, child welfare agencies, psychiatric clinics and family counseling services preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Responsible for coordinating and directing the necessary social resources for help to the patient. Responsible for maintaining open channels of communication between the patient, family, hospital staff, and outside agencies. Responsible for the supervision of staff and its services. Licenses and Certifications: Social Worker required. #J-18808-Ljbffr