Outpatient Social Worker/LMSW

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Social Worker works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to assess the needs of patients and, when appropriate, their families or caregivers. The role arranges, coordinates, and advocates for services to meet patients’ physical and psychosocial needs, and provides education to staff, patients, and families as necessary. The position involves working primarily indoors and interacting continuously with colleagues across disciplines. Schedule fluctuations are frequent and may be unpredictable due to census, documentation requirements, or program development. The role includes exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and occasionally blood-borne pathogens and radiation. Physical demands include carrying materials, frequent walking, standing and sitting during counseling sessions or meetings, reaching and bending, possible participation in patient restraints, and lifting and carrying children. Manual dexterity is needed for writing, typing, computer use, and accessing the dictation system. The role requires independent problem identification, adaptability, quick decision-making, concentration amid distractions, analysis and synthesis of information, strong writing and communication skills, and familiarity with medical terminology. The wage range is $31.35 to $48.60. Eligible employees may participate in the benefits package described below, with eligibility for certain benefits based on scheduled hours worked.

Requirements

M.S.W. from an accredited graduate school of social work.
Current Connecticut licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
An LMSW must achieve LCSW licensure within two years of the date of hire.
Competence in meeting the needs of patients requiring treatment for chronic disease, complex medical issues, and/or rehabilitation therapies.

Nice To Haves

One year of clinical experience in a medical setting.

Responsibilities

Assess the needs of patients and, when appropriate, their families or caregivers in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
Arrange, coordinate, and advocate for services that address patients’ physical and psychosocial needs.
Provide education to staff, patients, and families as necessary.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community providers, social service agencies, and interdisciplinary team members.
Research and arrange community resources for patients and caregivers.
Provide supportive counseling to patients and families about psychosocial issues that may affect the team’s plan of care.
Lead patient group meetings focused on disease-specific or identified psychosocial needs of the outpatient population.
Complete medical-record documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with internal policy and professional standards.
Develop and maintain an understanding of cultural traditions, values, and beliefs related to health care and decision-making.
Remain flexible and adjust approach to meet the needs of the team.