Social Worker-Emergency Department

The Medical Social Worker, a Master’s or Bachelor’s prepared health care professional, is responsible for the delivery of specific departmental services and for carrying out the philosophy and objectives established by Administration and the Board of Directors. Foremost among these responsibilities are the following: l) delivery of competent and timely professional services that are in accordance with overall institutional goals and policies and social work ethical commitments; 2) the process of assisting in alleviating social and environmental problems; and 3) participation in the development of professional team objectives.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Key Accountability

• Ensures that social and emotional needs of individuals or groups are met through counseling in collaboration with patients and health professionals.
• Demonstrates advanced social work knowledge and competency.
• Provides direct services for patients/families exhibiting psychosocial needs.
• Collaborates with hospital staff to complete social history/assessment information as needed.
• Participates with hospital staff on an interdisciplinary and professional basis and assists in planning, implementing and evaluating a patient’s plan of care.
• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.
• Assesses and provides for educational opportunities for patients, families, and other healthcare team members based on adult teaching-learning concepts and health literacy principles.

Key Accountability

• Maintains quality of care related to the hospital’s expectation for quality discharge planning services.
• Assesses patient/family discharge needs upon referral or by case finding.
• Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessments relevant to the hospital treatment services.
• Continually expands own knowledge and other staff on current resources available.
• Clearly communicates discharge planning concerns in a timely manner.
• Documents patient discharge plan in a centralized area in the electronic medical record.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, healthcare team members and other customers. Verbal communication is clear and precise. Written communication is done in a timely manner using approved abbreviations.
• Handoffs are done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority.
• Ensures continuity of care with internal patient transfers through verbal report from Patient Care Coordinator to Social Worker and verbal or written report from to Social Worker to Social Worker.

Key Accountability

• Provides professional leadership through compliance with established department routines, policies and procedures.
• Assists in creating a positive work environment that contributes to safety and positive clinical outcomes. Supports recruitment and retention of staff to ensure an adequate workforce for clinical care.
• Establishes professional competence through the processes of continuing education, clinical reporting and in-services.
• Evidences ability to apply professional judgement when working with patients and families.
• Reviews reports and adjusts practices in the social service area in order to meet necessary regulatory and legal standards.

Basic UPH Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

• Master of Social Work preferred or Bachelor with equivalent experience.
• Possesses an Iowa Social Work license, an LBSW, LMSW, or LISW or eligible to receive license.
• The Social Worker must have graduated from an accredited school of social work.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Understands the concepts of discharge planning, levels of care, payment systems and insurance requirements.
• May participate in appropriate professional organizations.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.