Social Work Assistant

1. Promote a safe, cooperative and professional health care environment to ensure optimum patient care (as per HR Policy 113c).

2. Adheres to all hospital policies, procedures, rules and regulations, including but not limited to, absenteeism, ETIME, cellular telephone usage, dress code and rules of conduct.

3. Makes Customer Service a priority, treating customers (patients, visitors, and co-workers) in a professional manner, exercising courtesy and tact. Effectively communicates with patients and others about SBH services in their area(s) of expertise or responsibility and ensures that concerns, questions or issues reach the right person(s) in SBH in a timely fashion.

4. Demonstrates the standards of performance and behaviors consistent with the DRIVE to Patient-Centered Excellence.

I. Assist the Team in the delivery of the patient care considering age/development level, under the direction of the Professional staff.

1. Perform tasks as specified by Director of Care Transitions leadership team.     

1. Maintains an orderly flow of patients.

1. Follows OSHA standards and Infection Control policies.

1. Seeks direction and supervision, when necessary, but functions independently where appropriate.

1. Correctly identifies all patients by dual identifier prior to performing any procedures.

1. Demonstrates flexibility with changing assignments due to staffing needs and adequately manages workload.

II. Performs related clerical duties to ensure continuity of patient care.

1. Utilizes computer technology in the work area.

1. Enter data accurately.

1. Discharges patients and make referrals as indicated by the team

1. Maintains a safe environment for patients and report unsafe condition to the unit manager.

III. Utilizes communication technique effectively.

1. Demonstrates a professional caring, respectful approach with patients, families and co-workers.

1. Understands and respects cultural differences.

1. Communicates in a pleasant, courteous, respectful manner always.

1. Maintains confidentiality and privileged communication.

1. Uses effective communication to assist in directing patient flow.

IV. Assumes responsibilities in knowing St. Barnabas’ Policy and Procedures and Standard of Care.

1. Participate in staff meetings.

1. Reports promptly to duty.

1. Complies with St. Barnabas attendance policies.

1. Follows dress code policies and wears ID badge.

1. Participates in the Department Quality Improvement Program.

1. Supports the Mission and philosophy of St. Barnabas Hospital.

V. Educational/Professional Development

1. Participates in the development of staff members.

1. Meets annual health assessments requirements.

1. Identifies learning strengths and needs.

1. Utilizes staff meetings.

1. Other duties assigned.

VI. Age Specific Competencies

Adult and Geriatric Population

1. Modifies approaches based on age-specific needs and responses to treatment.

1. Uses communication techniques that are age appropriate.

VII. Specifics Navigators’ Responsibilities-

1.    Provide patients with adequate resources such as housing, food, and legal services. Based on the SDOH.

2.    Referral to community agencies. Meals on wheels

3.    Referral to Health Home.

4.    Call patients that were Discharged from the Medical/Psychiatric units

5.    Follow up on all outpatient appointments (Mental Health and Medical)

6.    Referrals and follow up for Substance use programs.

7.    Assist with the top 50 utilizers of the ED.

8.    Communicate patient needs, barriers to discharge, and psychosocial concerns to the supervising social worker.

9.    Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and care conferences as appropriate.

VIII. EMR knowledge and skills – EPIC

1. Documents patient care navigator notes.

IX. Email/telephone knowledge and etiquette

1. Respond to incoming emails and calls in a timely matter.

1. Ensure out of office notifications are activated on scheduled days off.

1. Review emails and voicemails on a daily basis.