Medical Social Worker Inpatient Unit (IPU) - Full Time

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

3d • $34 - $52 • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a Medical Social Worker for its Inpatient Unit (IPU) on a full-time basis. Kern Medical, established in 1867, is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, providing the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. The facility offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services, including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services, and a network of outpatient clinics. Kern Medical serves approximately 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients annually.

Requirements

• Requires an M.S.W. as required by state and accrediting agencies.
• Requires a Master's degree from an accredited School of Social Work, or a Master's degree in one of the related health sciences, including Counseling and Guidance, Psychology, or Public Health.
• Requires a Master's degree in Social Work or Social Welfare from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a Master's degree in Psychology or Marriage, Family and Child Counseling.
• One (1) year of experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service (for Medical Social Worker I, Option 3).
• Two (2) years experience in a health care facility or psychiatric clinic performing duties comparable to a Medical Social Worker I (for Medical Social Worker II).
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of Social Work.
• Knowledge of the social, emotional, behavioral, and economic implications of illness, disease, incapacitation, and disfigurement.
• Knowledge of modern hospital organization and functions.
• Knowledge of general laws relating to health and welfare.
• Ability to evaluate information and form logical and sound conclusions.
• Ability to prepare reports and case records.
• Ability to maintain effective and cooperative relationships with professional personnel, patients, and community agencies.
• Ability to interview and obtain accurate personal and psycho-social data for records.
• Must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment and maintain certification and competency (if not possessing American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service is desirable (for Medical Social Worker I, Options 1 & 2).
• Experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service is desirable (for Medical Social Worker II, Options 1 & 2).

Responsibilities

• Functions at a highly skilled level in areas such as counseling, medical social work, protective services, family services, community organization, and research.
• Interviews and counsels patients and relatives to determine the appropriateness of services, the extent of social and emotional problems, and to plan for patient’s illness and related problems.
• Evaluates problems and makes treatment plans; provides casework and group work treatment for patients.
• Interprets diagnosis and prognoses to patients and their families to ensure the best adjustment to hospitalization and/or medical condition.
• Counsels patients on rehabilitation and employment programs.
• Performs assessments and provides information for use in diagnosis and treatment.
• Participates in research projects, mental health educational programs, treatment intervention, and assists in discharge transition.
• Observes the effects of current policies and informs the supervisor of gaps in the program.
• Participates in conferences, meetings, and committees.
• Cooperates with other agencies to ensure adequate resources to assist in the patient's maximum level of functioning and adjustment.
• Evaluates patient’s community behavior and assists in determining the need for further treatment.
• Arranges for follow-up care.
• Prepares case records, reports, and correspondence.
• Develops the cultural competency program in the internal medicine department.
• Develops professional interviewing skills for residents of the internal medicine department.
• Demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age, depending on assignment.
• Provides casework and group work treatment for patients; conducts therapy groups (Medical Social Worker II).

Benefits

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay
• Deferred Compensation Plan (matched up to 6%)
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan participation and company contributions may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level