Medical Social Worker

Lexington Medical Center • West Columbia, SC

2d

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker works with a team of Nurse Case Managers to help patients reduce barriers to healthcare access and obtain needed resources. Using interviewing, organizational, and networking skills, the position gathers clinically relevant information and conducts psychosocial assessments to help the healthcare team develop treatment and care plans and determine services needed by patients and families. The Medical Social Worker collaborates with the healthcare team to support patient outcomes, utilization and quality goals, and system improvement.

The role assesses patient and family circumstances, documents findings in the electronic medical record, and facilitates appropriate and timely discharge planning and post-acute services. It coordinates referrals and resources, consults with physicians and healthcare team members, communicates care-plan progress, and provides brief counseling, education, and consultation to patients, families, and the healthcare team. The position also participates in case management and discharge-planning meetings and improvement initiatives.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited program and licensure as a social worker in South Carolina. No minimum years of experience are required. The position is full-time, with hours listed as 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited program.
• Licensure as a social worker in the state of South Carolina.
• No minimum years of experience required.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education annually in topics related to the professional role.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial and discharge assessments appropriate to patient type, gathering information about diagnosis and treatment, age and developmental stage, finances, living environment, transportation, support systems, and family or significant others.
• Use assessment information to help the healthcare team develop care plans and determine needed services.
• Document assessments and care-plan progress clearly, accurately, and promptly in the patient's electronic medical record.
• Coordinate appropriate, efficient, and timely discharge plans and post-acute services, consulting with the attending physician as needed.
• Access internal and external resources on patients' behalf; facilitate referrals, confirm available resources, and implement plans within the length of stay.
• Honor patient preferences and provide patients and families with lists of needed service providers.
• Consult routinely with case management and other healthcare team members, keeping them informed of care-plan progress and communicating concerns through appropriate channels.
• Use appropriate brief counseling techniques and provide education and consultation to patients, families, and the healthcare team; assess comprehension and whether teaching methods need repetition or revision.
• Participate in case management team meetings, Discharge Planning Team meetings, program development, unit discharge planning, and interdisciplinary patient care conferences.
• Identify improvement opportunities and coordinate or participate in action plans and teams that analyze data and evaluate outcomes.
• Contribute to patient outcome measurement and support utilization, quality, and system-improvement goals.
• Maintain patient confidentiality, follow the Social Work Code of Ethics, demonstrate professionalism, and foster cooperative working relationships.
• Complete at least 20 hours of continuing education annually in topics related to the professional role.
• Perform other duties assigned by authorized personnel or required in an emergency.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance benefits effective on day one.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 403(b) match plan enrollment beginning day one; employer matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• Optional supplemental life insurance with low-cost premiums, up to three times salary.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees after 90 days of eligible employment.
• Adoption assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Student loan forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

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