Inpatient Medical Social Worker - Atrium Health Pineville - FT

Advocate Health•Charlotte, NC

4d•$31 - $46

About The Position

The Inpatient Medical Social Worker provides psychosocial assessment, screening, evaluation, interventions, follow-up, and discharge planning for patients and families. The role works with patients, families, the multidisciplinary healthcare team, community agencies, and post-acute providers to coordinate safe, timely care transitions and support patient choice and satisfaction. The social worker helps identify and resolve barriers to discharge, coordinate community and healthcare resources, manage utilization management activities, and support appropriate care across the continuum. The position also provides education and assistance related to advance directives, community services, and social matters, and maintains professional practice in accordance with applicable standards and ethics.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited school.
Typically requires 2 years of social work experience in healthcare.
Demonstrated knowledge of social work principles and methods and ability to apply them in a healthcare setting.
Demonstrated time management, professional accountability, and documentation skills.
Demonstrated communication skills and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated ability to act in accordance with the safety principles of an accountable care organization.
Meet applicable state licensure, registration, or certification requirements described for the relevant location; adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Knowledge and skills to provide age-appropriate care and assess and interpret information relevant to patients’ developmental and age-specific needs.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and working-condition requirements, including travel and work in patient-care environments.

Nice To Haves

LCSW preferred where indicated.
Applicable state certification preferred where indicated.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop appropriate plans, and initiate interventions within required timeframes.
Provide psychosocial assessment, screening, needs evaluation, interventions, follow-up, and discharge planning for patients and families.
Collaborate with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team on care planning and transitions, incorporating patient and family strengths and preferences.
Coordinate safe and timely care, including post-acute placement, palliative and hospice services, medical equipment, home healthcare, outpatient follow-up, mental health resources, and community resources.
Advocate for patient involvement in the plan of care and coordinate interventions with other healthcare team members.
Complete utilization management activities, including providing clinical updates to payers or external review organizations, collecting data, coordinating denial activity, supporting utilization management, and managing avoidable delays.
Deliver CMS regulatory notices within established timeframes, as appropriate to site guidelines.
Work with RN Care Managers, support personnel, medical staff, hospital departments, and ancillary services to resolve discharge barriers and support care coordination, discharge planning, and utilization management.
Maintain knowledge of community resources, legislation, healthcare regulations, and reimbursement issues; educate patients and families as appropriate.
Connect patients with appropriate agencies regarding suspected abuse or neglect, domestic violence, guardianship, and other social matters.
Provide resources and support related to discharge, post-acute care, bereavement and loss, ethical issues, advance directives, and end-of-life issues.
Collaborate with community agencies and institutions to plan continued care and coordinate interventions.
Communicate with patients, families, healthcare team members, and community agencies; facilitate resolution of issues affecting continuity of care.
Document activities according to department and program protocols or standards; manage progression of stay to optimize length of stay and ensure appropriate level of care.
Coordinate care across the continuum and within an ACO environment to support outcomes and reduce unnecessary readmissions; work toward site-specific goals.
Participate in orientation of new staff and/or education of social work students.
Educate patients and families about advance directives and assist with execution as appropriate; participate in legal proceedings as needed to secure legal decision-makers.
Maintain professional standards and comply with applicable accreditation, hospital, system, state, and NASW standards and Code of Ethics.
Complete continuing education required to maintain licensure and develop knowledge in the practice specialty.
Provide care appropriate to the ages and developmental needs of patients served.
Operate equipment necessary to perform the job and comply with required personal protective equipment practices.