Social Services Associate
About The Position
The Social Services Associate works under supervision through an accredited university MSW program or other accredited behavioral health graduate program and a site supervisor. The role helps meet the psychosocial needs of patients and families by connecting patients with services to support their functioning throughout the continuum of care. The associate may provide end-of-life support, care planning, and brief interventions, including assessment and treatment for patients with coexisting medical, social, behavioral, or mental health concerns. The position provides a therapeutic presence and responds purposefully and compassionately to patient needs. It does not directly manage other caregivers. St. Charles Health System Social Services departments may support areas including the Emergency Room, Family Birthing, NICU, Pediatrics, inpatient medical units and rehabilitation, Hospice, Home Health, and Behavioral Health. Services are provided in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and may include patient and family assessments, counseling and resource referrals, care coordination, hospice support, and long-term-care placement funding and services.
Requirements
- Bachelor-level degree in social work or a related behavioral science.
- Active enrollment in an MSW program or equivalent master’s program; continued enrollment is required to maintain employment as a Social Services Associate.
- 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
- Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team to support effective, efficient, cost-conscious care and establish, review, and revise patient care plans.
- Coordinate care plans as a consultative service, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on psychosocial needs related to injuries, accidents, and critical incidents.
- Advocate for patients’ needs and connect them with services and resources for continuity of care and discharge planning.
- Help patients and families learn throughout the continuum of care; reinforce ongoing healthcare through teaching and referrals, advocate for patient rights, and address barriers to care.
- Provide biopsychosocial and trauma-informed interventions, support, and referrals; help identify coping strategies and support mechanisms; and communicate community resources.
- 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.
- Assess patients’ economic circumstances, mental health, family dynamics, and social support systems; evaluate Social Determinants of Health and connect patients with appropriate resources.
- Conduct substance-use assessments 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 victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse; make appropriate referrals and notify the Department of Human Services and/or law enforcement when applicable.
- Provide information, education, and resource referrals concerning advance directives, powers of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, and long-term-care services; assist with navigating legal processes and local and state resources.
- Gather and document data promptly, maintain accurate records of patient interactions, assessments, and interventions, and use electronic health record systems to document social work interventions.
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality; comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; act ethically, report suspected violations, and cooperate with company investigations and proceedings.
- Deliver timely, efficient, and accurate customer service and patient care.
- Support the organization’s vision, mission, and values and champion continuous improvement through Lean principles.
- Help maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
- Perform additional duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
