Senior Social Worker - Adult Psychiatric Unit

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Social Worker is a member of the health care team in the Adult Psychiatric Unit at UW Medical Center-Northwest. Under general direction, the role provides professional social work services to patients, families, and others, and exercises independent decision-making authority and expertise in the assigned practice area. The work is guided by standards of collaboration, communication, facilitation, coordination, advocacy, resource management, accountability, and professionalism. This is a regular, full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week on the day shift. The role includes psychosocial support, clinical assessment, care coordination, and discharge planning in collaboration with patients, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community resources. UW Medical Center is an acute care hospital with Montlake and Northwest campuses. UW Medicine’s mission includes advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding care, and preparing health professionals. The organization emphasizes integrity, compassion, and a respectful, welcoming environment in which patients, families, students, and colleagues are valued.

Requirements

Master of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
One year of full-time social work experience in a health care setting or equivalent; qualifying experience may include a practicum placement as part of social work training and/or employment experience.
Within 90 days of hire, hold one of the following Washington state credentials: Agency Affiliated Counselor; Licensed Social Work Associate - Advanced; Licensed Social Work Associate - Independent Clinical; Licensed Advanced Social Worker; or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Responsibilities

Provide specialty consultation to health care staff and teams on psychosocial aspects of patient care.
Provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
Complete clinical assessments according to department standards.
Develop and implement safe, timely discharge plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
Provide care coordination for patients with complicated social and medical histories.
Provide case management and counseling services in specialized programs.
Work collaboratively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, physicians, practitioners, caregivers, and community resources.
Communicate timely, relevant, and accurate information to parties involved in a patient’s care.
Facilitate care progression to achieve desired outcomes.
Coordinate resources and services needed to accomplish agreed-upon goals.
Advocate for patients and caregivers regarding service access and the protection of patients’ health, safety, and rights.
Manage resources prudently by balancing cost and quality to support clinical and financial outcomes.
Accept responsibility for achieving optimal outcomes within the scope of practice and maintain relevant professional knowledge and competence.