Social Worker - Inpatient Senior Behavioral Health (FT/Day)

Kindred Healthcare•Watertown, WI

17h

About The Position

Coordinates and delivers social work services to patients in Senior Behavioral Health, collaborating with the Interdisciplinary Care Transitions team, physicians, and other clinical staff. Follows patients throughout the care continuum to identify and address psychosocial needs through assessment, treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, case management, mediation, referrals, consultation, education, and advocacy. Integrates social work practices with case management and discharge planning to support continuity of care, improve patient management and satisfaction, and help patients and families make informed decisions. The role also advocates for understanding the physical, biological, psychological, emotional, and environmental factors affecting patients’ health.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited program.
Master of Social Work required.
Social Work License as required by state.
Three years of experience in a healthcare setting.
Knowledge of government and non-government payor practices, regulations, standards, and reimbursement as they relate to discharge planning.
Knowledge of Medicare benefits and insurance processes and contracts.
Knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements.
Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Critical thinking, prioritization, and time-management skills.
Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office, word-processing, and spreadsheet software.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to collaborate with hospital leadership, physicians, payors, and external customers.
Good interpersonal skills when working with patients, families, and staff.
Regular attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Case Management.
Experience in case management or discharge planning.

Responsibilities

Coordinate psychosocial activities with the Interdisciplinary Team and physicians to develop and execute comprehensive discharge plans.
Conduct ongoing biopsychosocial assessments of patients and families to support timely and safe discharge planning.
Serve as a patient advocate and help patients and families make informed decisions.
Participate in interdisciplinary patient care rounds and conferences.
Educate patients and families about identified post-hospital needs.
Collaborate with clinical staff to develop and carry out plans of care and achieve care goals.
Educate patients, families, and healthcare team members as needed about cultural and religious beliefs, ethics, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, age-specific needs, patient rights and responsibilities, and advance directives.
Refer patients and families to appropriate community resources.
Provide age-appropriate psychosocial support informed by principles of growth and development across the life span.
Coordinate social services for patients, families, and significant others to help them manage the impact of illness and benefit from healthcare services.
Serve on Division and Hospital committees when requested.
Arrange discharge and post-hospital care through community institutions and agencies.
Investigate and report adverse occurrences.
Provide staff education related to discharge planning and psychosocial aspects of healthcare delivery.
Perform other related duties as assigned.