Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

Assists patients and families to adjust to illness and lifestyle changes related to illness and hospitalization.

Completes a comprehensive assessment of patient and family members to obtain information about psychosocial issues including the home. environment, family relationships, mental health history, substance abuse history, economic and cultural needs. Completes a risk assessment and interventions for at risk populations such as children, elderly, disabled, victims of abuse and neglect, domestic violence.

Conducts clinical assessments of patients presenting with emotional, mental health and substance abuse issues and coordinates with internal and external providers for care and safe discharge planning once the appropriate disposition is identified.

Uses information obtained to work with the treatment team to create a discharge plan that incorporates the psychosocial needs of the patient.

Assists patients and families to understand, accept, and follow treatment recommendations.

Utilizes resources to assist patient to resume life in the community or to next level of care.

Assists patient and family in understanding and negotiating with third party payers as well as other community services.

Assists in patient care planning to ensure continuation of treatment in an atmosphere conducive to preservation of health.

Evaluates the ongoing medical and psychosocial needs in order to set up appropriate community services.

Evaluates data gathered in terms of the medical plan of treatment, available social service programs and plans a pertinent psychosocial treatment program that will provide maximum benefit for each patient.

Maintains communication and collaboration with all members of the health care team including the emergency department psychiatric team and collateral community resources.

Assists patient/family in the procurement of essential services and equipment to allow optimum and safe function at home.

Assists patient/family in the decision making process leading to the selection of and placement in an appropriate long term care facility.

Provides emotional support to patients and families who are coping with illness and loss.

Performs a variety of services such as advising on social problems, advocacy, crisis intervention, supportive counseling and a variety of other therapeutic interventions to assist the case manager in arranging for discharge or post-operative care at home or in institutions, helping to alleviate level of anxiety and fear.

• Provides information and referral for continuing care and crisis intervention.
• Brings voluntary community based services into play as appropriate to patient and family needs.
• Functions as a liaison on behalf of patients with appropriate community agencies.
• Evaluates the appropriateness of community services and develop plans to meet patient needs.
• Works cooperatively with co-workers and communicates effectively with departmental staff; other departmental personnel and health care facilities; physicians, patients and visitors.
• Acts in accordance with professional ethics and within departmental policy and procedure.
• Functions within the professional Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Is available to all clinical areas for social work services as needed and assigned.
• Prepares and updates records for each patient, documenting as per policy.
• Ability to navigate Electronic Health Systems.
• Observes all safety, infection and environmental control procedures.
• Functions in such a way as to meet departmental quality assurance program.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings and serves on committees as requested.

5. Performs other work related duties as requested/directed.

Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers in a manner that reflects Cape Cod Hospital’s commitment to CARES: compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service.

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) and State licensure (L.I.C.S.W.).
• CPI (Crisis Prevention) within 1 month of new position and must renew annually.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills demonstrated by a positive attitude, pleasant, professional and cooperative demeanor, with patients, physicians and fellow employees.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast pace environment.
• Ability to work productively in a stressful environment and effectively handle multiple consults and changing priorities.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Acute care hospital social work experience preferred.