Job Summary

Under direct oversight, conducts interviews with patients to learn of their medical, psychological, and social histories in an effort to identify problems and assess need for referrals and resources. Works as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team to identify, address, and resolve barriers and stressors that contribute to the patient's presenting problem and may interfere with obtaining maximum benefit from healthcare services.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements describe the general work performed in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

1. Obtains information to identify the need for the provision of social work services. Identifies barriers to health care including social and medical needs.
2. Participates in designing services with an interdisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and/or their families with the total health care system. Coordinates care for patient’s treatment/discharge.
3. Provides psychosocial interventions using basic knowledge of social work practice models such as problem-solving, crisis intervention, task-centered, and solution focused care to address identified needs and develop safe care plans.
4. Monitors patients’ progress & identifies patients who are at-risk.
5. Provides general preliminary social work services/coordination of care to patients who are or are threatened with situations detrimental to their wellbeing, in accordance with generally accepted social work practices and departmental protocols. Consults with Clinical Social Worker/supervisor for complex or at-risk cases.
6. Provides immediate and after care referrals to improve patient stability. Confirms linkage to care as needed/required.
7. Assists patients and/or families with problem-solving and decision-making around personal, health, social, educational, vocational, financial and other interpersonal concerns within the context of their care/treatment area.
8. Seeks consultation, as needed, with expert colleagues and other disciplines on the care team for guidance with assessment, planning, and intervention, and overall plan of care.
9. Provides support and interpretation to patient and/or families of their problems and goals.
10. Attends team/interdisciplinary meetings to provide advocacy focused on the client. Encourages patient to be an active participant in their care.
11. Assists the care team with ensuring patients are efficiently and effectively moved throughout the healthcare system.
12. Documents all work in a timely manner pertaining to the care setting or required by regulatory standards. Only discloses information necessarily with an ROI. Notifies patients of their informed consent for treatment, as applicable.
13. Completes all specific job tasks within their assigned department as outlined by supervisor.

When you come to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you’re coming to more than simply a beautiful 37-acre, 218-bed suburban Baltimore, Maryland campus. You’re embarking on a professional journey that encourages opportunities, values a team atmosphere, and makes convenience and flexibility a priority. Joining our team of healthcare professionals means you’ll be contributing to a locally and nationally recognized institution. UM St. Joseph has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a grade ‘A’ hospital and by U.S. News & World Report as #3 in both the state and Baltimore Metro area, making UM St. Joseph the highest-ranking community hospital in Maryland. In addition, we’ve been consistently recognized as a top employer by Baltimore magazine. 

Education, Experience and Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Master in Social Work (MSW) preferred.
2. LBSW (Bachelor Social Worker) licensure from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners required. LMSW preferred.
3. No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge on how to act on behalf of the patient to improve the quality of life and functioning while assuring the patient’s rights.
2. Demonstrate skill in a) general social work and/or case management practice areas; b) completing basic social work functions such as assessment, resource planning, case management, psychoeducation, referral, information gathering, supportive counseling, consultation, advocacy; c) effective problem solving d) communications both written and oral; and e) age appropriate interpersonal interactions (patients may range from newborn to geriatric adult). 
3. Ability to a) communicate and collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders (i.e. colleagues, medical staff, liaisons, patient, family); b) assess, adapt, and calmly respond to changing and/or crisis environment; c) make decisions consistent with current policies, procedures, and ethical standards while operating under direct supervision; d) prioritize work assignments and manage time effectively to complete duties; and (e) understand and follow written and verbal instruction.
4. Adhere to the professional principles and standards of practice consistent with underlying core values of the profession, as outlined by the NASW Code of Ethics, and with the policies and procedures in place within the University of Maryland Medical System.

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