Social Worker / LCSW

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

3d•$37 - $45

About The Position

The Social Worker / LCSW supports patient care by assessing patients and their support systems, coordinating discharge planning, arranging appropriate referrals and resources, and helping patients transition safely to the appropriate level of care. The role collaborates with interdisciplinary care teams, insurance case managers, community providers, patients, and families to advance care plans, identify and resolve barriers, and meet target lengths of stay. The position provides counseling and education to patients and families, coordinates goal-oriented family meetings, and responds to situations requiring reporting under applicable laws and hospital policies. It maintains accurate and timely documentation, supports continuity of care and regulatory compliance, and contributes to education, professional development, and service improvement. The role requires a Master of Social Work and LCSW licensure.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
At least 3 years of relevant social work experience.
LCSW licensure.
Ability to meet the role's physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) experience.
Experience in an acute-care or post-acute-care setting.
ACM or CCM certification.

Responsibilities

Acknowledge and prioritize referrals from interdisciplinary team members, patients, and families, and enter initial chart documentation within eight business hours of receiving a consult.
Participate in trials and interdisciplinary team meetings to screen high-risk patients, share information, determine appropriate length of stay, advance care plans, address barriers, and coordinate safe discharges.
Maintain focus on quality and efficiency to transition patients to the appropriate level of care within target time frames.
Update the clinical team about discharge destination and anticipated discharge date and time.
Participate in Triad Data Meetings and Team Meetings to identify and address system trends and barriers to efficient patient care.
Collaborate with insurance case managers and community care providers and initiate referrals to community resources.
Maintain working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer regulations and processes.
Coordinate access to and movement across levels of care, including inter-facility transfers.
Ensure safe, timely discharges and provide appropriate documentation and verbal reports to receiving facilities or agencies.
Protect confidential patient information and comply with hospital and departmental disclosure policies.
Use department patient care funds responsibly, exploring viable alternatives before requesting funds.
Assess patients and support systems to identify needs, determine discharge level of care, and identify necessary interventions.
Evaluate family circumstances, the home environment, and finances to develop a safe and viable care plan.
Provide patient and family counseling and education about discharge planning and community resources.
Provide supportive counseling to patients, families, and significant others experiencing anxiety or stress related to illness, injury, or physical limitations.
Coordinate and facilitate goal-oriented family meetings.
Report suspected child, disabled adult, or elder abuse or neglect in accordance with current laws and hospital policies.
Cover for colleagues as requested and communicate patient status and care plans to ensure continuity of service.
Build and maintain cooperative relationships with professionals, physicians, patients, families, and community agency representatives; seek guidance and escalate cases appropriately.
Participate in multidisciplinary patient and family education and care planning.
Develop educational materials and programs for assigned patient populations and for medical team and social work peers.
Pursue professional development with the supervisor and participate in professional organizations and community education as needed.
Serve as a professional resource for colleagues inside and outside the organization.
Document assessments, ongoing contacts, discharge plans, and transfers accurately, thoroughly, and on time; complete required paperwork and computer documentation.
Use available computer applications and the internet to obtain and communicate information efficiently.
Review and interpret length-of-stay and patient-satisfaction reports to improve service delivery and meet organizational goals.
Complete additional assignments and projects as directed by department leaders.