Social Worker (Inpatient Psychiatry)

Boston Medical Center•Brighton, MA

About The Position

Under the clinical supervision of the Director of Social Work, utilizes clinical social work techniques and theory to provide consultation, assessment, treatment interventions and advocacy for a diverse population of patients and their families. Utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to healthcare, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams; to provide case management and crisis intervention for a wide range of complex social factors and determinants of health within the department of Psychiatry. Job Summary: The Social Worker MSW/LCSW is a clinician responsible for social work services for patients in the Department of Psychiatry. The Social Worker MSW/LCSW works as part of the interdisciplinary team caring/assisting patients and families to cope with plans and decisions that need to be made before, during and after hospitalization.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work by start date and 0-2 years of experience working with patients and families who are in crisis; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Must sit for the Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Certification exam within the first 90 days from date of hire.
Must obtain Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license within 6 months of hire.
Ability to work with patients and families in crisis.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of experience with patients with major trauma, infectious disease, and/or emotional upset.
LCSW, LICSW

Responsibilities

Provides individual and/or group counseling/ therapy to patients and/ or their families.
Provides referrals and/or follow-up services.
Provide crisis prevention when needed to patients
Provides counseling for patients, family and friends whenever indicated at the time of diagnosis, regards adjustment to illness, the emotional impact of diagnosis, and changes in lifestyle.
Offers continuity by maintaining a supportive relationship to patients and family throughout the course of illness.
The social worker will provide case management for patients. This will include resource findings, concrete services as indicated and will often involve referrals to community agencies and assistance in obtaining financial aid.
Provides documentation for social work activity in patient's record on a regular and timely basis.
Consults with members of the medical center team in regard to the psycho-social needs of patients. Participates in staff inservice.
The social worker leads or co-leads a support group for patients.
Makes a psycho-social assessment of as many high-risk clinic patients as time allows.
The Social Worker MSW will also see patients at time of crisis and will assist where possible in cases of need for concrete services.
Assess the discharge needs of all patients admitted to their respective department assignments.
Performs other duties as assigned.