Social Services Coordinator

Cameron Health is an independent, not-for-profit facility that proudly serves Angola and Steuben County. We have been a cornerstone of this community and the surrounding area in northeast Indiana dating back to 1926. Over the years, we have helped generation after generation of area residents enjoy better health and live comfortably. Today, Cameron Hospital has grown into something more than a simple community hospital. Filled with advanced equipment and skilled specialists, Cameron is a modern, high-tech facility that provides advanced diagnostics, a variety of specialties and cutting-edge treatment options that are combined with highly personalized and compassionate care.

DEPARTMENT: Clinical Integration

JOB TITLE: Social Services Coordinator

SHIFT: 1.0 FTE, Fill-time, Day shift

Summary/Objective

The Social Services Coordinator is a front-line advocate who identifies and supports patients and families across the organization and specifically in the emergency department and inpatient unit (s) facing trauma, crisis, or complex social barriers during hospitalization. This role bridges emergency and inpatient care with community resources to promote safety, stability, and continuity of care. The coordinator ensures the hospital meets federal discharge-planning standards and integrates Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and CMS Age-Friendly Hospital Care Measure into every transition.

Essential Functions

• Provide immediate crisis intervention to patients experiencing acute medical trauma, psychiatric emergencies, domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance use crises.
• Conduct rapid psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs and risk factors.
• Offer emotional support, de-escalation, and coping strategies to patients and families in crisis.

• Collaborate with ED physicians, psychiatrists, and nurses to assess and address behavioral health crises, including suicide risk, self-harm, and severe mental health conditions.
• Arrange involuntary and voluntary psychiatric holds as needed.
• Provide referrals to inpatient psychiatric care, detoxification centers, and outpatient mental health services.

• Develop safe and effective discharge plans for patients with complex social needs, ensuring continuity of care.
• Connect patients with community resources, including shelters, food assistance, substance abuse treatment, and home health care.
• Work closely with law enforcement, child protective services, adult protective services, and community agencies as needed.

• Ensure patients’ rights are upheld, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as victims of abuse, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
• Assist with guardianship, advance directives, and decision-making for incapacitated patients.

• Actively participate in ED huddles and quality initiatives aimed at reducing readmissions.
• Provide education and training to hospital staff on social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention strategies.

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed or eligible for licensure in the State of Indiana (e.g., LBSW, RN, or equivalent).
• Certification in crisis intervention, case management, social services or behavioral health support preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Nursing, Psychology, or a closely related health-care field required.

Experience

• Minimum of two years in hospital, emergency department, or community-based health setting.
• Prior experience in crisis intervention, trauma support, or discharge planning preferred.

Skills/Competencies

• Proficient in de-escalation and trauma-informed communication.
• Familiar with local and regional resources related to aging, housing, mental health, and transportation.
• Strong assessment, documentation, and time-management skills under high-stress conditions.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• None

Physical Demands

• The physical demands of this job are such that requirements fall under a Level 2 category which is considered Light Duty. Please refer to the full physical demand sheet for further information.