Definition:

The Masters Social Worker supervises and provides for the evaluation of the social and emotional needs of the patient related to their medical condition, and provides counseling, etc. based on this evaluation.

Line of Authority:

Administrator/Director of Services

Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
2. One year social work experience in a health care setting is required.

State-specific requirements:

TENNESSEE

• Current state certification as a certified master social worker (CMSW as provided in T.C.A. §63-23-102.), OR
• Current license as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Current state licensure at the Master (LMSW) or Independent (LISW) level.

FLORIDA

• To provide clinical counseling to patients or caregivers, the social worker must have a current state license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), pursuant to Chapter 491, F.S.

MISSOURI

• Current state licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Performance Requirements:

1. Able to speak, read, write and follow written orders.
2. Able to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual requests.
3. Able to carry out fine motor skills with manual dexterity.
4. Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate adequately.
5. Able to handle emotionally stressful situations on a regular basis, including but not limited to death and dying.
6. Able to organize work procedures, assume responsibility and tactfully supervise others.
7. Able to learn, absorb and apply professional training.
8. Must have reliable personal transportation.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Provides and accurately documents direct social services to patients planned to restore the patient to optimum social and health adjustment; including:

• Assesses social and emotional factors, to estimate impact on the patient’s capacity and potential to cope with problems of daily living
• Helps the patients and caregivers to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations
• Assists patients and caregivers with personal and environmental difficulties which predispose toward illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care; and
• Identifies resources, such as caregivers and community agencies, to assist the patient to resume life in the community, including discharge planning

1. Provides these services according to physician order and in accordance with home care policies and procedures.
2. Educates and supervises designated social work assistants in the implementation of the social service program.
3. Provides inservice training to other home care team members, focusing on psychosocial needs of patients, families and staff, as requested.
4. Contributes to applicable QI activities as requested.
5. Serves as Utilization Review and/or Advisory Board Member as requested by Administrator/Director of Services.
6. Maintains knowledge base of home care social services procedures and regulations as well as professional standards through attendance at workshops and inservice and individual research and reading.