Emergency Department Social Worker

Position Summary

Functions independently and collaboratively to assure appropriate utilization of resources for patients across the continuum of care.

The Emergency Department (ED) Case Manager is an integral member of the ED care team who provides strategic guidance to the department clinical and operations staff for the purpose of assuring that patients are placed in the correct level of care without ambiguity in the orders or treatment plan.

The case manager understands the nature of ED care and patient flow, and the special demands placed on the ED staff due to high volume, fast turnover and patient/family expectations.

The ED Case Manager evaluates patients that will remain in the hospital and completes the initial InterQual assessment and assists with outpatient follow-up plans for patients that will be discharged from the ED.

ED CM is responsible for assessing behavioral health patients and collaborating with the ED physician to determine the patient’s safety risk, correct level of care and voluntary/involuntary status.

ED CM communicates with family members and other pertinent individuals to gather necessary information for each patient to insure the best outcome for the patient. ED CM understands the nature of ED care and patient flow as it relates to behavioral health patients.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of two years current health care experience, preferably in acute care. A Bachelor Degree in Social Work or Psychology is preferred.

2. Preference is given to previous psychiatric experience, utilization management experience and care protocols experience.

3. An Associate Degree in Social Work or Psychology with a minimum of eight years acute care clinical experience or four years care manager or case manager experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Knowledge of hospital admitting procedures, health care legislation and government/regulatory health related agencies.

2. Demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly; actively listens; works well with others to solve interpersonal conflicts and problems without need of superiors. Demonstrates ability in collaborating with physicians. Requires excellent communication skills to work collaboratively with all members of the health care team.

3. Demonstrates an ability to identify and solve problems. Demonstrates critical thinking skills.

4. Computer skills are required.

License/Certification/Registration

1. If incumbent is a Registered Nurse, must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Pennsylvania.

2. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

Supervision Received

Receives minimal supervision from the Director of Population Health/Case Management. Functions independently; seeks guidance when necessary.

Supervision Given

None

Why Mount Nittany Health?

At Mount Nittany Health, we provide high-quality patient care with a unique combination of the latest in clinical technology and compassionate medical professionals. We are committed to improving both the quality and availability of healthcare in our region and seek to hire only the best to support the communities we serve.