Per Diem Social Worker

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

General Summary Statement

Responsible for coordinating all post-acute services for inpatients and outpatients. Interviews patients and families, assesses aftercare options and provides information, guidance and support in decision-making. Provides emotional support and counseling to caregivers. Assists patients and families with application to financial aid programs. Collaborates with peers, physicians, other departments and community agencies to expedite placements. Works with patient and family to help them understand the impact their illness may/will have on their lifestyle, family relationships and home situation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Discharge Planning Competencies

• Interviews and collaborates with patient/family to assess aftercare options providing guidance information and support in decision making.
• Coordinates all aspects of the discharge process for patients with complex post-acute needs returning home.
• Develops alternative discharge plans and coordinates with Team Leader, peers, and Case Manager as needed to facilitate resolution of problem dispositions or difficult patients/families.
• Facilitates and monitors the discharge plans and arrangements for assigned patients going to boarding homes, assisted living homes, skilled care, long term care, hospice, or rehabilitation (physical, psychiatric, drug and/or alcohol).
• Refers to community services as needed, including (but not limited to): office of aging, CYS, CVIM, MH/IDD, crisis, domestic violence, dialysis services, VNA, etc.
• Works with patients and their families to help them understand the impact their illness may have on their lifestyle, family, relationships and home situation.
• Coordinates individual patient care conferences when deemed necessary, including appropriate inpatient and outpatient personnel/agencies.
• Develops a discharge plan in a timely manner to maintain lowest cost to the hospital, while ensuring a comprehensive quality plan.
• Procures signature on second Medicare Important Message (IMM) form for assigned patients as required by CMS 48 hours prior to discharge.

Education Training and Experience

• BSW or MSW degree.
• Discharge planning experience preferred.
• Knowledge of current practice and community services.
• Skill communicating with and negotiating with patient, family, physician, community resources and payors to accomplish optimum outcomes for patients.
• Ability to organize and prioritize
  

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.