Licensed Medical Social Worker

SOUTHSIDE MEDICAL CENTER•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Licensed Medical Social Worker reports to the Chief Medical Officer or the Chief Medical Officer’s designee and uses professional social work skills in collaboration with other members of the medical team to prevent or ameliorate psychosocial problems. The role ensures that patient-related and clerical Social Services functions are completed in a timely and efficient manner. It addresses social, emotional, and psychological problems that may interfere with a patient’s medical treatment plan by working directly with patients and families or advising and assisting responsible staff members. The position provides referrals, counseling, crisis intervention, and case management; connects patients and families with community resources and public assistance programs; and coordinates incoming referrals and volunteer activities. It also supports performance improvement, maintains community resource information, conducts appropriate community or home visits, prepares periodic reports, and serves as a resource to other staff. The role requires knowledge of social work practices, public benefits, community resources, counseling, case documentation, and relevant legal protections.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
Should be licensed as a clinical social worker by the State of Georgia.
At least two years of casework experience in a health care institution, with experience involving areas such as child welfare agencies, psychiatric clinics, and/or family counseling agencies.
Knowledge of psychiatric and medical terminology.
Ability to make decisions during crisis situations.
Knowledge of agency policies and procedures related to social work.
Knowledge of eligibility criteria for federal and state services, including Medicare, Medicaid, Presumptive Eligibility, Advance Directives, SSI, welfare, and veterans’ benefits.
Knowledge of community resources and facilities and counseling techniques.
Knowledge of individuals’ and families’ physical and psychological needs, cultural factors and belief systems, family dynamics, interviewing techniques, and counseling principles.
Knowledge of protective-services guidelines, current social and economic conditions, community agency resources, the legal system, and procedures for legal protection of clients and the health care facility.
Oral and written communication skills, crisis intervention skills, and the ability to document social services information clearly in case records.
Skills in developing service plans and providing intensive casework, including locating and coordinating services to meet client needs.
Ability to read and comprehend material of varying levels of complexity.

Nice To Haves

Ability to drive a car is desirable.

Responsibilities

Refer patients to federal, state, and city agencies.
Interview patients and families.
Make referrals for needed resources and services.
Coordinate referrals from outside agencies to Southside Healthcare, Inc.
Develop knowledge of Joint Commission audit procedures for ambulatory health care facilities and social services.
Provide crisis intervention in acute situations, including locating emergency housing and other emergency services.
Assist the Performance Improvement initiative by developing and implementing Performance Improvement indicators and conducting appropriate follow-up monitoring.
Help resolve psychosocial problems that may interfere with medical treatment or rehabilitation of patients and families.
Provide case management services and document those activities in the case record.
Maintain an updated file of community agencies and programs.
Coordinate volunteer activities as needed.
Make appropriate community and home visits to better understand the patient and family environment.
Prepare periodic reports on caseloads, visits, and related activity.
Serve as a resource to other staff by providing advice and assistance in meeting patients’ social needs.
Counsel patients referred internally who need assistance with housing, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, and other federal and state assistance programs.
Lecture, instruct, and supervise social services student interns.