Under the clinical supervision of the Department Director and or Manager (or LCSW / LICSW), utilizes clinical social work techniques and theory to provide consultation, assessment, treatment interventions and advocacy for a diverse population of patients and their families.
Requirements
- Assesses patient and family to ascertain those emotional and social problems.
- Provides trauma informed, strengths-based interventions on behalf of patients and their families.
- Communicates effectively and proactively with providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals and team members in the Emergency Department.
- Supports patients and families who are in crisis; initiates family meetings with ED providers.
- Responds to P1 and P2 traumas promptly and assists the team in identifying patients and next of kin.
- Provides case management and advocacy on behalf of patients and families.
- Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams and community providers on behalf of patients and families.
- Assesses safety risks and provides brief, solution-focused interventions and safety plans with patients as needed.
- Uses techniques including motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment to support patients and families.
- Provides crisis intervention and problem solving support to patients and families in crisis.
- Provides information, referrals, and counseling relative to: health issues, child protection needs, family violence, illness, community violence, substance use/abuse, disabilities, mental health concerns, bereavement and family homelessness.
- Collaborates effectively with other BMC programs to support patients and families, including: VIAP, CVRT, Safety & Support, and Elders Living at Home.
- Collaborates effectively with community agencies: BPD, BHA, BMH, Elder Services, Disabled Persons Protection Commission, DCF, DMH, DDS, DHCD, and Mass Rehab Commission/SHIP program.
- Responds promptly to consult requests and referrals for social work supports.
- Reaches out ED staff for referrals if consult requests are completed.
- Uses clinical and time management skills to triage cases and prioritize patients with the most time-sensitive needs.
- Communicates with ED colleagues and Social Work Manager on call to consult on questions and concerns.
- Provides education, crisis intervention and emotional support to patients, families, and ED staff as needed.
- Develops and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
- Screens and assesses patients for needs regarding social determinants of health.
- Reports any and all suspected cases of abuse and neglect and follows up to ensure patient receives timely comprehensive consultations and compliance with legal mandates.
- Identifies need to involve patient’s family through the initial assessment process and attempts contact on same day, if indicated.
- Consults and collaborates with healthcare team members to insure that patient’s emotional and social needs are addressed.
- Provides for psychotherapeutic treatment and/or psychosocial support to patient and family to reduce the impact of identified problems.
- Ensures that inpatient and family remain apprised, involved, supported and treated through prescribed clinical relationship through at least weekly contacts and whenever a change in care or plan requires more contact.
- Utilizes Social Work technique and theory to assist patient and family in coping with illness or social problem to achieve improved functioning and emotional state.
- Begins assessment for an inpatient within 24 hours of referral and completes within two interviews or within seven working days of referral.
- Begins assessment for an outpatient as soon as patient permits and completes within two interviews.
- Completes assessment for an Emergency Department patient within four hours of discharge.
- Maintains patient confidentiality according to hospital policy.
- Practices professional discretion when determining the inclusion of any patient information into medical record or department clinical record notes.
- Notes in medical record the exclusion of critical patient information and its availability.
- Documents each patient encounter in the medical record or the Department clinical record concurrently according to Department policies.
- Participates in social work committees and departmental work groups.
- Provides other administrative and special project assistance as required or assigned.
- Promotes a positive and collaborative work environment supportive of the hospital’s missions and goals.
- Remains knowledgeable of and follows appropriate policies, procedures, and work standards, including but not limited to, policy regarding hours of work, absenteeism, and tardiness.
- Attends hospital required and relevant meetings, training sessions or activities, as assigned.
- Attends scheduled staff meetings and in-service education program offerings with punctuality and consistency.
- Maintains competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality of care.
- Ensure that MSW licensure remains active by obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) and in good standing.
Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 401k Matching
- Retirement Plan
- Visa Sponsorship
- Four Day Work Week
- Generous Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Relocation Assistance
