Social Worker - PT24 OPERS ELIGIBLE

Wooster Community Hospital Job Description

Social Worker

Main Function

Provides direct social work services to patients and families identified as having complex needs. Works with the RN Case Manager to identify inpatients whose social needs necessitate comprehensive psychosocial interventions. Intervenes as necessary with patients seeking emergency care or other ambulatory care services.

Must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, patient/family and outside agencies. This position must be able to handle multiple priorities and be self-directed. It requires good organizational skills and analytical thinking.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager, Social Services

Must Have Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferred) in Social Work

Graduate of a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Current LSW or LISW license in Ohio.

2 years recent experience as a social worker in a medical setting.

No written disciplinary action in the last 12 months.

Other Requirements

Employee in this position may be exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and is required to wear barriers.

• Denotes ADA Essential

• Follows Appropriate Service Standards

Position Expectations

• Provides direct social work services to patients and families for social, environmental and emotional problems and makes referrals to appropriate community agencies.

• Documents the initiation of the discharge planning assessment tool within 24 hours of referral.

• Maintains and develops community resource information pertinent to patient care. Maintains professional relationship with community agencies.

• Interviews patients and / or family members and significant others; meets their psychosocial needs within the scope of social work license and established procedures and protocols.

• Formulates and completes discharge plans for patients of all ages in collaboration with physicians and other disciplines participating in the care of the patient.

• Provides private setting for interviews with patients and families.

• Assists in arranging transportation to nursing care facilities, medical appointments and home if needed.

• Provides information to patients/families regarding Medicare, Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.

• Provides charting duties and record keeping as required by department and hospital policy.

• Strives to meet patient/family needs on a timely basis to provide for optimum post hospital care, within the restrictions of insurance guidelines and limitations.

• Assists patients with Advance Care Planning and in obtaining accurate information on Advance Directives and Patient Rights.

• Conducts palliative care screenings to initiate conversation for potential referrals to Palliative Medicine.

• Maintains knowledge base of community resources available in Wayne County and surrounding area.

• Keeps abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards.

• Attends educational programs to meet professional competencies and maintains a valid license to practice in Ohio.

• Participates in hospital committees, educational programs or in-services, and facilitate patient support groups as needed.

• Assists with complex discharges issues related to psychosocial needs of the patient and/or family.

• Collaborates with the RN case manager in removing barriers for discharge planning activities.

• Arranges family meetings, if necessary for discharge planning purposes that involve psychosocial issues.

• Attends multidisciplinary rounds as available to provide information on psychosocial needs of patients and families.

• Provides supportive counseling related to life changes and dependency circumstances

• Assesses for depression and anxiety using the PHQ-9 screening tool and the GAD screening tool as

indicated and refers to Master’s level social worker when appropriate.

• Provides crisis intervention

• Assesses for behavioral health needs including but not limited to suicide risk and substance abuse disorders and follows up with appropriate interventions and refers to Master’s level when appropriate.

AGE Specific Competencies

Infants

• Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.

• Assures parent / guardian involvement in decision making and care.

• Supports parent’s presence and involvement during hospitalization and in planning.

• Supportive counseling to parents and family.

• Assesses for signs / symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Pediatric

• Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.

• Assures parent / guardian involvement in decision making and care

• Encourage open, direct age appropriate communication with child regarding illness, treatment and hospitalization.

• Assesses for developmental milestones.

Adolescent

• Demonstrates understanding of the developmental stage.

• Assures parent / guardian involvement in decision making and care.