Medical Social Worker

Advocate Health•Park Ridge, IL

4d•$31 - $46

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker provides discharge planning and counseling services for hospital inpatients and their families. The role assesses psychosocial needs, coordinates post-discharge care and community resources, supports safe and timely discharge, and documents assessments and plans in the medical record in accordance with hospital policy and applicable requirements. The Social Worker also contributes to patient and family education, staff education, statistical reporting, care management activities, and continuous process improvement. The position is full time, 40 hours per week, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and rotating weekends and holidays. The listed pay range is $30.70–$46.05. The role requires an MSW from an accredited school of social work, hospital field experience, and a Social Worker license. The incumbent must recognize age-specific needs and behaviors and adhere to NASW ethics and standards. Direct patient contact may involve lifting up to 35 pounds without assistance; patient-handling equipment and another associate are expected for lifts over 35 pounds or when a patient cannot assist, when available.

Requirements

MSW from an accredited school of social work.
Social Worker license; the posting also identifies Licensed Social Worker Masters.
Field experience within a hospital setting.
Ability to recognize age-specific needs and behaviors.
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and standards.
Competence in counseling and discharge planning.
Ability to meet the stated patient-handling requirements for direct patient care/contact: lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; use patient-handling equipment and another associate, when available, for heavier lifts or when a patient cannot assist.

Responsibilities

Assess hospital inpatients for discharge-planning needs and complete and document initial evaluations according to department policy.
Collaborate with physicians, hospital disciplines, case managers, insurers, physical therapy, nursing, and other personnel to develop and coordinate plans for continued care after discharge.
Develop, update, and document discharge plans; arrange community resources as a liaison to support safe and timely discharges.
Organize and attend patient care conferences to identify potential discharge needs and maintain positive working relationships with referral sources.
Provide counseling to patients and families, including crisis intervention when indicated, assessment of support systems, financial resources and lifestyles, adjustment counseling, and information about community counseling resources.
Provide age-appropriate assessment and counseling for patients and family support systems.
Complete timely, accurate documentation of psychosocial assessments, case progress, and plans in accordance with hospital policy, licensure, and third-party payor requirements.
Complete continuing education and required CEUs; conduct unit inservices and assigned support groups, and provide education to patients, families, and significant others as needs are identified.
Conduct monthly audits and enter statistical data according to department policy.
Participate as a member of the care management team by attending conferences, keeping staff informed of social work progress and updates, collaborating with the health care team and assigned case manager, evaluating psychosocial needs in relation to medical situations, and prioritizing referrals.
Contribute ideas and requested data to continuous process improvement activities.