Medical Social Worker

Whidbey Island Public Hospital•Coupeville, WA

55d

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), provides and facilitates access to economic, social, and emotional support services for patients and their families/caregivers across the continuum of care, including acute care, the emergency department, and specialty programs such as the total joint program. The Social Worker supports patients in navigating complex medical, psychosocial, and community needs to promote safe, timely, and person-centered care.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work REQUIRED.
A minimum of one (1) year experience as a Medical Social Worker.
Knowledge of available community resources and ability to connect people with systems that provide resources, services and opportunities required.
Must be able to work as an independent problem solver. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are imperative.
Washington State social work license required at the time of hire: Minimum requirement: LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker), LSWAA (Licensed Social Work Associate-Advanced), or LSWAIC (Licensed Social Work Associate-Independent Clinical).
American Heart Association BLS required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in acute care setting / low-income population preferred.
LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) also meets requirements and is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients and families/caregivers in acute care, ICU, Family Birthplace, and consultation areas (ED and Total Joint Program). Evaluates social, emotional, economic, behavioral health, and physical well-being needs in collaboration with the care management team and medical providers.
Provides crisis intervention and coaching to patients and families in response to illness, trauma, grief, substance use, domestic violence, and other psychosocial concerns. Connects patients with appropriate community and behavioral health resources.
Collaborates with patients, families/caregivers, care managers, and the interdisciplinary team to develop discharge and transition plans. Identifies and facilitates access to resources such as skilled nursing, rehabilitation, housing, transportation, mental health, and substance use treatment services to support safe and timely transitions.
Supports the Total Joint Program by assisting with pre-surgery planning, patient/family education, and linkage to community services needed during recovery. Serves as a consultant for the Emergency Department and specialty services regarding complex psychosocial, behavioral health, and placement issues.
Ensures that social work practices comply with regulatory requirements, state laws, and hospital policies. Actively participates in care coordination rounds, case reviews, and initiatives aimed at improving patient experience, reducing readmissions, and supporting timely discharges.
Completes timely and accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, care plans, and patient/family encounters in Meditech Expanse in accordance with department standards and regulatory guidelines.
Serves as a subject matter expert for the interdisciplinary team regarding social work concerns, psychosocial dynamics, and community resources. Provides consultation and education to staff regarding patient advocacy, community partnerships, and supportive services.