Overview

DEFINITION OF POSITION:

The Medical Social Worker assists the physician and other health care members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors, which may contribute to the patient’s health problems. He/she will participate in the development of the plan of care, and provide services necessary to assist in resolving social/emotional problems, which impede the effective treatment of the patient’s medical or his or her recovery rate.Services provided include but are not limited to:1)Assessment of a) the social/emotional factors related to the illness, b) the need for care, c) the response to treatment, d) the adjustment to care, e) the relationship of medical and nursing requirements to the home situation, f) the financial resources and availability of community resources.2)Obtain appropriate available resources, a) community, b) financial and c) care giver.3)Counseling services when such services are necessary to promote beneficial treatment of the individual’s medical condition.The Medical Social Worker will prepare clinical and progress notes, participate in regular case conferences, discharge planning and inservice programs, and act as a consultant to other Medical Center personnel. He/she is under the supervision of and responsible to the Director of Reource Management.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:A.Education:Required: Master’s Degree from a social work curriculum accredited by the council on social Work Education or Master’s Degree from a school of social work accredited by the council on Social Work Education.Desired:Evidence of continuing education for skill level and area of practice. A working knowledge of medical and community resourcesB.Experience:Required: A minimum of one year social work experience in a health care setting.Desired:Experience in community social work systems, ie; SDSD, CSD, Mental Health, etc.C.Licenses, Certifications and or Registration:Required: Current Oregon licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW) or certification by the Academy of Certified Social Worker (ACSW) or be in process to acquire either LCSW or ACSW.Current Driver’s License, dependable transportation, current CPR certification.D.Specialized Knowledge and Skills:1.Able to work well with others including ill, disabled and emotionally disturbed people of all ages from varied economic and cultural backgrounds in their home environment. Demonstrates the ability to promote the patient’s age-specific, cultural, physical and psychosocial well-being.2.Able to work in a team setting, showing flexibility and ability to work independently when needed as well as personal and professional integrity.3.A broad understanding of community resources including those related to financial benefits such as disability benefits, out of home care such as foster and nursing home care and in home services such as hired help and Meals-On-Wheels.