Inpatient Clinician Social Worker/Full time/Wallingford

Job Description

Job Description

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a health system dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation. We provide inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to the most advanced state of recovery they can achieve. Our Mission: To enhance health, maximize function, and transform lives. Our values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. These values guide us in providing quality patient care and transforming the lives of our patients.                   

  SUMMARY

Participates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and families, assisting in the facilitation of the rehabilitation program, with a focus on helping patients adjust to injury (TBI, stroke, spinal cord injury), medical illnesses, PTSD, chronic pain, substance abuse, and general mental health concerns. Clinical responsibilities are divided between Inpatient and Outpatient services (approximately 50% each), including individual, family, and group interventions, consultation with the interdisciplinary team, and coordination of community resources to support successful rehabilitation and transition of care.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned..

C ounseling

• Conducts a diagnostic interview of patients for whom Psychology consults have been requested within 2 business days of receiving the consult.
• Provides short‑term, evidence‑based treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy and related interventions) to support adjustment to and rehabilitation from injury, medical illness, chronic pain, PTSD, substance use, and other mental health issues, across both inpatient and outpatient settingsMonitors the effectiveness of treatment plans.
• Engages family members and caregivers as appropriate to support patient adjustment, adherence, and safe transition of care.
• Ientifies and explores community resources for continuing care and support post‑discharge (e.g., programs for addiction, brain injury, homelessness), and facilitates referrals and care coordination between inpatient, outpatient, and community providers.
• Performs crisis intervention, following departmental policy, with patients and families (in both inpatient and outpatient settings) as necessary.
• Develops and conducts groups (e.g., psychoeducational or psychotherapy groups) following Psychology Department guidelines, with offerings that may span or be shared across inpatient and outpatient programs.

Documentation

• Thoroughly documents, according to coding guidelines, all therapeutic activity and ongoing care on the patient’s behalf.  Completes documentation within 48 hours.
• Responds to inquiries and corrects coding and/or documentation as indicated by the Coding Department. 
• Inputs charges, as well as clinically-important but not chargeable services, within 3 days. 
• Assists with chart audits to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Productivity

• Meets productivity standards as set by the Psychology Department for combined inpatient and outpatient work, maintaining an efficient, patient-centered schedule.
• Optimizes time and patient care by pre-scheduling visits to patients.  Works with other inpatient staff to coordinate care of the patient.

O ther duties

• Maintains continuing education and professional responsibilities with state certification/licensing agencies.
• Actively participates in unit team meetings, outpatient case conferences, and interdisciplinary rounds, and communicates with team members and other staff as needed across both setting. 
• Helps provide cross‑coverage for inpatient or outpatient colleagues as needed, consistent with departmental coverage guidelines.
• Participates in hospital committees with the approval of the Director of Psychology.
• Participates in orientation and training of new employees and may assist with supervision of trainees, as approved by the Director.
• Follows established Psychology Department coverage guidelines for scheduled and unscheduled PTO (e.g., weather‑related closures).
• Performs other related duties as assigned  

Exhibits I.T.I.S.I.C.A.R.E values

• Innovation : Embracing creativity and new ideas to improve processes and outcomes across inpatient and outpatient programs.
• Teamwork : Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary team members to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Inclusion : Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
• Safety : Prioritizing the well-being and security of patients, individuals and communities.
• Integrity : Acting with honesty and transparency in all interactions and decisions.
• Compassion : Showing empathy and kindness towards others, especially in challenging situations.
• Accountability : Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes, ensuring reliability and trust.
• Respect : Treating others with dignity and consideration, valuing their perspectives and contributions.
• Excellence : Striving for the highest quality in performance and achievements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or higher  (i.e., LCSW, PhD or PsyD) and related experience (1-3 years preferably in a medical setting). 
• Connecticut State Certification /License within their field/degree. 
• Proficiency in documenting clinical activities and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams is also required.

HOURS 

Full time/Mon-Fri

We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer