General Summary

Under general oversight, functions as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide case management, crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessments, counseling, referral, treatment/discharge planning, and other general social work services to target the diverse psychosocial and emotional needs of patients, families, and groups in their practice area.

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. Interviews patients to assess functional level according to professional standards. Completes psychosocial & screening tools with direct supervision. Assesses safety risks as a means of determining appropriate disposition for patients.
2. Develops a plan of care and treatment/discharge plans that are reviewed with the interdisciplinary team or supervisor.
3. Provides timely and appropriate crisis intervention services & proactively utilizes de-escalation strategies with patients.
4. Evaluates patient’s social determinants of health and methods used within the practice settings to improve quality of care. Seeks feedback to assess their individual work and assure ethical standards. Evaluates patient’s progress toward established goals.
5. Provides preventive, protective, or supportive services to patients and/or families. Completes mandatory reporting for patients who are in or who are threatened by situations detrimental to their well-being.
6. Maintains working knowledge of relevant medical/legal issues that impact on patient care. Coordinates and documents appropriate referrals/linkages and keeps the patient, family, and care team informed of referrals made.
7. Provides patients and family members with counseling regarding coping techniques for illness and care planning. Creates a theoretically grounded therapeutic framework for effective problem solving with patient and family.
8. Receives clinical feedback of assessments, planning, interventions, and overall plan of care. 
9. Conducts individual and/or group education sessions to assist patients/families in addressing and managing healthcare conditions.
10. Advocates for patients and their practice area, to explore strategies that reduce resource consumption and provide efficient care.
11. Recognizes and identifies systematic challenges impacting individual patients and the impact to their health, well-being, and access to care.
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. Maintains privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information.
13. Completes all specific job tasks within their assigned department as outlined by supervisor.

THE MEDICAL HEART OF MARYLAND

Treating over 330,000 patients every year, the University of Maryland Medical Center is at the vital core of Maryland's health care system and community. We're known for our prestigious expertise in innovative research and education, along with the talented staff and advanced centers that make it all possible. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the world's first center dedicated to trauma, treats more than 7,500 critically injured patients a year with an incredible 97 percent survival rate. We also have one of the nation's largest kidney and pancreas transplant programs at The Joseph and Corinne Schwartz Division of Transplantation, home to Maryland's first steroid-free protocol and pancreas/kidney transplant. From our National Cancer Institute-designated UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center to The University of Maryland's Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric centers in the state, we are dedicated to saving and transforming lives.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in Social Work accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
2. LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) licensure from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.
3. Minimum one (1) year of related experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrate skill in a) general social work and/or case management practice areas; b) completing social work functions under supervision, including biopsychosocial assessment, resource coordination, case management, psychoeducation, referral, information gathering, therapy, counseling, mental health diagnosis, consultation, advocacy; c) effective critical thinking d) communications both written and oral; and e) age appropriate interpersonal interactions (patients may range from newborn to geriatric adult).
2. 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 supervision; d) prioritize work assignments and manage time effectively to complete duties; and (e) understand and follow written and verbal instruction.
3. 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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.