Medical Social Worker

POSITION SUMMARY

Position Summary – 

The Medical Social Worker (MSW) attends to the psychosocial aspects of patient care. This position requires the ability to use assessment tools and intervene appropriately in patient/family relationships, financial needs, emotional and social problems.  Provides support for the medical staff in working with patients with acute psychiatric concerns. Establishes and maintains relationships with community resources.  Requires thorough knowledge of and a high skill level in psychotherapeutic interventions and the utilization of community resources.  By working as a team with Case Managers, coordinates and facilitates discharge planning as needed.

 

MSW’s providing support to the Improving Addiction Care Team (IMPACT) Program

In addition to above:

Provides support to the IMPACT Program, delivering a professional continuum of services to address the bio-psychosocial needs of patients and families affected by addiction.  Partners closely with the IMPACT and entire interdisciplinary team to initiate and implement addiction treatment planning for patients. Treatment planning is individualized based on the patient’s needs and preferences to support recovery and empowerment. It may include medication and behavioral therapies as well as harm reduction strategies. This trauma-informed care includes: substance use disorder assessment and diagnosis, crisis stabilization, motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, and resource referrals. Further, in partnership with Case Management, establishes addiction-specific plans for discharge to the most appropriate levels of care. Maintains advanced knowledge of substance use disorder issues and provides both consultation and educational programming to staff and the community. Actively participates in continuous quality improvement efforts and seeks empanelment with appropriate insurers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – 

Performed majority of the time:

·         Reviews patients’ charts and rounds with appropriate interdisciplinary team members daily to ensure patient’s psychosocial needs are met and assess variables that impact health and functioning, and timely discharge of patients from the acute care setting.

·         Provides information to patients and families on Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney, and Guardianship when requested.

·         Responds to outpatient and community questions and referrals.

·         Collects data for identified focus studies.

·         Assesses variables that impact health and functioning, interprets clinical information and assesses implications for treatment.

·         Presents information on aspects of social services and role of MSW.

·         Completes “high risk” assessments as set by established criteria, to determine the need for case management and discharge planning intervention within one (1) day of consultation request.

·         Assesses suicidal/homicidal ideation and makes appropriate referrals.

·         Develops behavioral management plans for psychiatric patients who present with challenging behaviors during hospitalization that address physical, psychosocial, age, cultural, financial and educational needs and documents activities.

·         Participates in daily Behavioral Health Rounds with members of the Psychiatric and Behavioral Health team.

·         Refers patients and/or families to community agencies and resources i.e. Medicaid, food stamps and low energy assistance.  Continues development of community partnerships and community relationships in order to better serve those in need.

·         Provides appropriate social work services for terminal care including supportive counseling, and referrals to community resources providing follow-up bereavement services to families.

·         Facilitates appropriate placement for patients with behavioral/mental health needs.

·         Facilitates discharge planning for the continuum of care for patients with acute or persistent psychiatric needs.

·         Assesses for possible child, elderly or domestic abuse. Performs appropriate reporting and/or makes appropriate referrals.

·         Performs psych/social assessment and makes treatment recommendations and referrals i.e. substance abuse treatment and depression counseling and support groups.

·         Provides resource referrals for individuals with financial concerns.

·         Assists with complicated discharge planning when necessary.

·         Assists mothers/fathers considering or planning relinquishment of baby for adoption.

·         Assists with Hospice and Home Health referrals when appropriate.

·         Coordinates referrals for county, state and federal agencies.

·         Provide support in c