MSW Medical Social Worker

Job Summary:

The Masters of Social Work (MSW) professional will provide comprehensive case management and social work services in an acute care hospital setting. This role involves conducting biopsychosocial assessments, discharge planning, care coordination, and advocacy for patients and families. The MSW will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and support patients through complex medical and social needs, including psychiatric care, protective services, and community resource linkage. A minimum of two years of acute hospital case management experience is required, with weekend and holiday coverage responsibilities. Responsibilities:

• Perform intake and admission screenings, including 5150/involuntary holds in psychiatric settings.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide patient and family education, support, and advocacy.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure continuity.
• Manage case utilization review, admission criteria, appeals, and denials.
• Coordinate discharge planning including home care, equipment orders, and referrals to rehab and long-term care facilities.
• Determine medical necessity based on evidence-based guidelines.
• Assist patients navigating Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other protective services.
• Document care delivery, patient education, and care coordination activities accurately according to plan of care.
• Participate in care conferences and supervise staff as needed.
• Facilitate family therapy and counseling as appropriate.
• Coordinate with community programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, HMOs, social security, and medication assistance programs.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) with applicable state licensure preferred; pending licenses accepted.
• Minimum of 2 years acute hospital case management experience.
• Strong knowledge of protective services, psychiatric care, and hospital social work practices.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to perform biopsychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• California state social work license preferred.
• Experience with worker's compensation case management and prior authorizations.
• Familiarity with community resource programs including Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and medical transportation.
• Experience in hospice, home healthcare, long-term acute care, and psychiatric hospital settings.

Special Considerations:

• Must be available to work every other weekend and cover holidays.
• Required to monitor up to two units on weekends with a focus on discharge planning.
• No more than seven days return-to-office restrictions.
• Work may include high-risk patient interactions and managing patients with communication barriers or safety risks.

Scheduling:

• Primarily acute care hospital schedule with weekend rotations every other weekend.
• Holiday coverage required as part of scheduling.
• Shift assignments may vary based on unit needs and hospital policies.