Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Worker

Job Summary

Following established policies and procedures, provides in/outpatient mental health and/or substance abuse counseling and therapy. Using professional level of knowledge, assesses patient emotional, social and psychological needs and determines appropriate intervention methods. Maintains related records and works cooperatively with other caregivers, case managers and managed care representatives.

As an essential job function, due to continuously changing patient census/activity and staffing needs, must have the flexibility to work a varying schedule should the need arise, which may require working overtime (greater than 40 worked hours per week) and/or shift durations that exceed the assigned status for shift length and/or hours per week.

Duties

• Conducts diagnostic interviews and psychosocial assessments with patients and/or their families to obtain data on the patient’s personal, social, legal, medical, emotional, family and social economic history and presenting problem(s).
• Develops treatment plans. Reviews and revised treatment plan monthly or more often as needed. Consults with other treatment team members as necessary.
• Provides mental health and/or substance abuse counseling to individuals, families, couples and groups drawing from a variety of therapies and modalities as indicated by the patient’s individual needs and in keeping with acceptable standards of practice. Provides crisis intervention. Provides assessment, referral and brief counseling to employee assistance program clients as needed.
• Maintains clinical case records according to policies, procedures and acceptable standards of practice.
• Works with other department staff to develop new programs to meet patient needs. Notifies appropriate agencies of cases suspected of violations of the law such as abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult and assists in investigation of such cases as requested.
• Oversees discharges and follow up care. Makes follow-up contacts and referrals to appropriate sources as needed. Develops discharge plans, including any aftercare needed. Practices utilization management activities as needed. Contacts third party payers, obtains prior authorization, periodic review, reauthorizations, etc., as required for reimbursement of services provided. Completes forms and other necessary documentation in a timely manner.
• Develops and maintains network of referral sources in the community including mental health, substance abuse, medical, financial and legal sources. Represents the hospital in such networks. Assist patients in identifying and using appropriate resources. Participates in community education activities; makes presentations as requested at such times as are mutually agreed to by employee and supervisor.
• Participates in performance improvement activities. Compiles statistical reports as requested. Participates in staff meetings, clinical supervision and other meetings as assigned. Keeps current in development of treatment modalities, approaches and regulations affecting the practice of social work in an outpatient setting.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Social Work.
• Current licensure by the Board of Social Work Examiners to practice as an MSW in the state of Michigan.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification, to be completed within six (6) months of hire date
• Preferred Qualifications: Two years experience in a mental health or substance abuse setting
• Additional Experience: Knowledge of social work methods, procedures, treatment interventions and relevant legal regulations.
• Additional Experience:  Interpersonal skills to counsel patients (pediatric 3-11 years, adolescent 12 – 17 years, adult 18 – 64 years, geriatric 64 years and above) with psychological, emotional, and social disorders and their families and to deal effectively with outside organizations.
• Additional Experience: Analytical ability to analyze patient’s social needs, determine possible solutions, and implement solutions.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to freely move about; move about for extended periods; occasionally obtaining binders, files, etc. from shelves or desks.

OSHA Exposure Classification:  As required by infection prevention and control policies.