MED SOCIAL WORKER (MSW)

Description

Assists in providing services to patients, their families, or significant others who need assistance with social, economic, or environmental problems resulting from, or related to, their illness. The Medical Social Worker works closely with the interdisciplinary team to address complex social and discharge planning issues and collaborates with community agencies as indicated to meet patient needs across the continuum of care. Has full access to patient health information.

Requirements

• Masters Degree in Social Work or Masters Degree in related field. If has Masters Degree in related field must have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work.
• License or certification in Social Work preferred.
• At least one to three years of hospital social work experience preferred.
• Understanding of principles and practice of social work. Must have working knowledge of community social and health agencies. Must have knowledge of human behavior and personality dynamics.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Must be able to possess full range of body motion to pass a basic FIT test to include bending, stooping, standing and sitting for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.

Job Specific Standards

• Responsible for screening patient records for the need for social services, discharge planning and risk of readmission.
• Performs social assessment on patients identified as high-risk for discharge planning needs.
• Interviews patients and families for assessment and development of discharge plan.
• Responds to physician orders and staff referrals by initiating patient assessment or intervention within 24 working hours of receiving referral.
• Participates as a team member in conferences on behalf of patients’ needs.
• Provides assistance in locating appropriate community resources as part of discharge planning process.
• Provides support, education and guidance for physicians, patients, families and hospital staff regarding in-hospital or post-hospital care needs.
• Arranges post-discharge services taking into consideration payer requirements and coverage and patient preferences.
• Makes referrals to appropriate departments/agencies per hospital and agency policies.
• Provides pertinent information to hospital staff, patient and family and regularly interacts with all involved to coordinate timely discharge.
• Documents social work activity in the patient’s medical record according to department policy and pertinent law and regulation.
• Ensures appropriate documentation is completed and forwarded to post discharge agencies/facilities.
• Performs other related duties as requested by Director of Case Management and Care Transitions.

Reports to:

Director of Case Management and Care Transitions