SOCIAL WORKER (LSW) | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT | FULL-TIME DAY SHIFT (24877)

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center•Paramus, NJ

4d•$37 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is hiring a Licensed Social Worker for Behavioral Health Services in the Emergency Department. The role provides assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, discharge planning, patient and family education, and referrals to community services. The social worker collaborates with patients, families, the health care team, Medical Center programs, and community providers to address psychosocial needs and support treatment and continuity of care. The position also contributes to interdisciplinary treatment planning, community outreach, staff consultation, clinical supervision of paraprofessionals and students as assigned, and department quality and policy activities. It requires timely clinical documentation, participation in departmental meetings and professional development, and adherence to Medical Center policies, safety standards, and its Code of Conduct. The role may include evening and night call rotation, transportation of patients, and on-site or in-home crisis intervention. Salary is commensurate with experience within the posted range of $37.10 to $60.60 per hour.

Requirements

One to two years of prior experience in psychiatric social work or comparable experience, setting, or population, depending on assignment.
Demonstrated ability to work with a psychiatrically impaired population or people with addictions, as appropriate.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency to the extent required by the position.
Heartsaver/CPR Certification required.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license, or must obtain it within one year from date of hire.
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work required.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to meet the role's physical demands, including frequent prolonged standing and walking; home visits may be required.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience preferred.
Knowledge of a second language preferred.
BLS Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform screenings, intake assessments, and consultations to evaluate individual and family dynamics and treatment needs, including admissions and referrals.
Provide ongoing social work intervention and education to patients, families, and significant others regarding health-related psychosocial problems.
Use individual, family, and group work, as well as crisis intervention, to address issues affecting treatment participation and discharge planning.
Complete comprehensive psychosocial histories in a timely manner.
Provide direct treatment, including individual, family, and group counseling and crisis intervention appropriate to the ages of patients served.
Advise health care teams about chemical dependence, psychiatric, and abuse issues; identify, assess, treat, and refer patients facing abuse or violence to community services as appropriate.
Provide case management for assigned patients to support treatment plans and access to resources and services.
Explain illnesses and treatment plans to patients and families, and communicate family issues to staff.
Liaise with the health care team to explain family dynamics and facilitate timely, proactive discharges.
Advocate for patients within Medical Center programs and coordinate with community providers to connect patients and families with services.
Present on field-related issues and Medical Center resources to schools, agencies, and other community groups.
Participate in interdisciplinary diagnostic and treatment planning conferences, present cases, and make recommendations from a social work perspective.
Complete case records, statistical reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
Provide clinical supervision to paraprofessional staff and students as assigned.
Provide consultation to Psychiatry Department and Medical Center staff and community agencies on social work issues and services.
Assist with discharge and post-hospital care plans, including identifying appropriate community resources.
Maintain customer service standards and comply with departmental policies, quality assurance, safety, environmental, infection control, and Code of Conduct requirements.
Identify gaps in policies and procedures and develop necessary policies and procedures.
Coordinate with unit staff to maintain social work service coverage when staff members are absent.
Participate in department-approved studies, surveys, or research to develop effective treatment approaches or improve service quality.
Provide translation during patient or family interviews when needed and able.
Identify obstacles to service delivery and bring them to a supervisor's attention.
Participate in departmental meetings and committees as required.
Support professional development through education, literature review, conferences, and workshops, and maintain current licensing, education, and skills.
Rotate on evening and night call for the program if required.
Provide transportation services for patients as needed.
Work with community agency staff to provide on-site or in-home crisis intervention when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned to support department and organizational objectives.