Social Services Associate

St. Charles Health System•Bend, OR

About The Position

The Social Services Associate assists with meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and families, helping patients use services to achieve an optimal level of function throughout the continuum of care. The role is supervised through an accredited university MSW program or other accredited behavioral health graduate program and by a site supervisor. The associate may provide end-of-life support, care planning, and brief interventions, including assessment and treatment for patients with coexisting medical and social, behavioral, or mental health concerns. The position provides a therapeutic presence by responding purposefully and compassionately to patient needs and does not directly manage other caregivers. The role may support social services departments across St. Charles Health System, including emergency, family birthing, NICU, pediatrics, inpatient medical units, inpatient rehabilitation, hospice, home health, or behavioral health. Services may include multidisciplinary assessment, supportive and therapeutic interventions, counseling and resource referrals, hospice care coordination, and long-term care placement funding and services. The organization uses an interdisciplinary approach to address patients’ and families’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs, including support for chronic or acute illness. The position is based in Radiation Oncology in Bend, Oregon. It is a regular, non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, on first shift from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The stated pay range is $29.96–$44.93.

Requirements

Bachelor-level degree in social work or a related behavioral science field.
Enrollment in an MSW program or equivalent master’s program; active enrollment must be maintained to remain employed in the role.
At least one year of experience in a healthcare or behavioral health setting.
Valid, current Oregon driver’s license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements for Home Health, Hospice, and Behavioral Health departments.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment required to perform the job safely.

Nice To Haves

Two years of related experience in social work or another behavioral health setting.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team to support effective, efficient, cost-conscious care and to establish, review, and revise each patient’s plan of care.
Coordinate care plans as a consultative service with interdisciplinary teams to address psychosocial needs related to injuries, accidents, and critical incidents.
Advocate for patients’ needs and connect them with appropriate services and resources for continuity of care and discharge planning.
Help patients and families learn throughout the continuum of care; reinforce ongoing health care through teaching and referrals, advocate for patient rights, and address barriers to care.
Provide biopsychosocial and trauma-informed interventions, support, and referrals, and collaborate to identify coping strategies and support mechanisms.
Identify and communicate community resources for patients and families throughout the continuum of care.
Provide brief, evidence-based interventions for emotional distress and assess threats of self-harm or harm to others.
Provide education, support, community resources, and care planning for palliative care, hospice, and bereavement needs.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of economic circumstances, mental health, family dynamics, and social support systems; evaluate Social Determinants of Health and connect patients with resources.
Provide substance-abuse assessment and brief interventions, including SBIRT and DAST, and refer patients who score positively on the Columbia Suicide Risk Assessment to outpatient behavioral health for follow-up.
Identify suspected child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse; make appropriate referrals and notify DHS and/or law enforcement when applicable.
Provide information, education, and resource referrals related to advance directives, powers of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, and long-term care services; assist with navigating guardianship processes and local and state resources.
Gather and document data promptly, maintain accurate records of patient interactions, assessments, and interventions, and document social work interventions in electronic health record systems.
Conduct work professionally and confidentially; comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and support corporate integrity efforts.
Deliver timely, efficient, and accurate customer service and/or patient care that promotes goodwill.
Support the organization’s vision, mission, and values and champion continuous improvement through Lean principles.
Help provide and maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
Perform additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.