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

ScionHealth•Watertown, MA

About The Position

The Social Worker coordinates and carries out social work functions for the patient population in collaboration with Interdisciplinary Care Transitions (ICT) team members. The role follows patients throughout the care continuum, identifies and addresses psychosocial needs, and supports continuity of care through assessment, individualized treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, case management, mediation, referral, consultation, education, and advocacy. It integrates social work practices with case management and discharge planning to improve patient management and satisfaction. The Social Worker advocates for patients, investigates and reports adverse occurrences, and provides staff education about discharge planning and psychosocial aspects of healthcare delivery. The position promotes understanding of the physical, biological, psychological, emotional, and environmental factors affecting patients’ health. It coordinates comprehensive discharge planning, provides patient and family education and referrals, and arranges post-hospital care through community institutions and agencies.

Requirements

Master of Social Work degree.
Graduate of an accredited program.
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 related to discharge planning.
Knowledge of Medicare benefits, insurance processes, and contracts.
Knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements.
Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to demonstrate 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 obtain cooperation and collaboration from hospital leadership, physicians, payors, and external customers.
Good interpersonal skills when interacting 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 provide comprehensive discharge planning.
Use critical thinking to develop and carry out effective discharge plans.
Conduct comprehensive, ongoing biopsychosocial assessments of patients and families to support timely and safe discharge planning.
Advocate for patients and support patients and families in making 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 goals.
Educate patients, families, and healthcare team members on topics including cultural and religious beliefs, ethics, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, age-specific information, patient rights and responsibilities, and advance directives.
Refer patients and families to appropriate community resources.
Provide age-appropriate psychosocial support based on knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan.
Coordinate social services for patients, families, and significant others to help them address the effects of illness on family functioning and make maximum use of 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 and provide staff education related to discharge planning and psychosocial aspects of healthcare delivery.
Perform other related duties as assigned.