Social Worker

I. JOB SUMMARY
The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services.

II. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
2. Assesses the psychosocial status of patients related to the patient’s illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse.
3. Carries out social evaluations and plan interventions based on evaluation findings.
4. Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling.
5. Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
6. Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care.
7. Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems.
8. Prepares clinical notes on all patients referred to social work.
9. Provides information and referral sources for organization patients, families, and caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
10. Provides education to patients, families, caregivers, and community agencies.
11. Serves as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and community agencies.
12. Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
13. Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and organization personnel.
14. Participates in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences as required.
15. Participates in discharge planning.
16. Supervises, as directed, any Social Worker Assistants (SWAs).
17. Participates in the home health aide’s (HHA’s) quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA sponsored in service training.
18. Participates in department’s weekend and holiday on call rotation.
19. Other duties as delegated by the leaders.
    The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

III. JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)