Summary: The Social Worker evaluates, diagnoses and treats a wide range of psychosocial problems, applying individual clinical social work skills in order to assist patients and their families in the resolution of personal and environmental problems, attributable to mental or physical illness, which prevents them from achieving their highest level of psychosocial functioning. The Social Worker assigned to the impatient units will be an active participant in the co management model along with the unit leadership in supporting the patient flow initiative. Adheres to social Work professional standards of practice based on NASW Code of Ethics.Responsibilities: Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system. Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Lifespan Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.Completes bio-psychosocial evaluations to eliminate barriers to treatment, discharge and enhance the patients health status and improve utilization of resources.Provides consultation regarding patients background, physosocial functioning and needs to medical and support staff, in order to assist in planning a comprehensive care program for the patient in order to increase treatment compliance and care coordination with the aim at providing excellent patient experience and increased satisfaction in care.Develops treatment plans and initiates clinical intervention, utilizing individual and group treatment modalities, and analyzes course and result of treatment to maximize health status and increase health care decision making.
In accordance with departmental standards regarding frequency and content, documents social work activity in patients medical records.Participates as a team member in conferences (collaborative care rounds) concerning patients with other care personnel and community agencies to improve care coordination and moving patients safely into their communities and less restrictive settings.Provide education to assist patients and families in understanding, accepting and following medical and social work recommendations designed to restore the patient to optimum functioning within their capacity.Assesses patient and family advocacy needs, and coordinates appropriate advocacy activities within the hospital and in the community with an emphasis on self-determination for the client system with the aim at improving social supports and community resources.Provides field placement supervision and evaluation for BSW and/or MSW degree candidates as part of the Department of Clinical Social Work Student program (must have LICSW, or, at least 5 years of demonstrated experience and knowledge in service area).Completes case related statistics and other reports according to departmental standards.Participates in hospital wide, departmental and community studies, projects, and trainings with the aim at educating the community and hospital staff on the psychosocial issues related to illness and identifying barriers in service delivery systems.As relevant to clinical assignment, remains current on available community resources, and accesses them as needed.Maintains and enhances professional expertise through appropriate educational activities. May attend training for specific areas of clinical responsibility.Participates in quality assurance activities in accordance to department, hospital, and The Joint Commission standards.Adheres to Lifespan, Hospital, and department policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment of care and be in compliance with all laws, regulations and standards. Other information: BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school of Social Work and a current license from State of RI, Board of Social Work Licensure.Minimum requirement for licensure is Licensed Clinical Social Work level (LCSW).When Social Worker is eligible (two years or 2000 hours of post masters supervised practice) it is mandatory that they obtain Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW.) status.Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.EXPERIENCE: Between six months and one year of clinical experience preferably in a health or mental health setting with an emphasis on populations to be served in the assigned area.Training and experience necessary to address the specific needs of the patients served in assigned areas of responsibility; this includes issues relating to age and stage of development and the particular special needs and cultural patterns of the patient populations being served.Analytical and therapy skills necessary to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, initiate therapy, and evaluate results. Ability to effectively interact with patients, families, medical staff and outside agencies in providing services.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Works in a normal office environment with exposure to patient care.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Provides functional guidance to Social Work Interns with recommendation to pursue LICSW level of licensure.