Social Worker (BSW or MSW)

Avera•Sioux Falls, SD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker plans, organizes, and implements social work services for medically and socially complex patients and their families. The role addresses patients’ medically related emotional and social needs, facilitates quality care and education, and provides counseling to individuals and groups. The Social Worker assesses needs and develops plans for patients and families requiring intensive discharge planning, maintains knowledge of community agencies and resources, and facilitates appropriate referrals, access to care, continuity of care, and patient advocacy. The position works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team and Case Management, providing services in a compassionate, culturally competent, and tactful manner. The position is at Avera McKennan Hospital. The schedule is three days one week and four days the next, generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with scheduled rotating weekends and holidays; the posting also states that the position is closed on holidays. Pay is listed at $25.50–$44.00, with the actual rate dependent on experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program.
Active Social Worker license in the state of practice, required upon hire.
Ability to work the specified hours.
Ability to perform essential job functions satisfactorily, including adequate visual acuity and effective communication, hearing, and speech discrimination.
Commitment to confidentiality, teamwork, and compliance with applicable safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards.

Nice To Haves

Active Qualified Mental Health Provider (QMHP) credential in the state of practice, upon hire.
1–3 years of experience.

Responsibilities

Interview patients and family members to gather information about home environment, family systems, health history, personality traits, and responses to diagnosis.
Evaluate gathered information in relation to the medical treatment plan, social service programs, and financial counseling, and plan an appropriate therapy program to maximize patient benefit and safety.
Help patients and families understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations and care plans.
Advise patients and families on social problems; arrange discharge or post-operative home care; assist with placement in assisted living or nursing homes; arrange transportation to appointments and treatments; and help alleviate anxiety and fears.
Conduct supportive visits and assess strengths, coping skills, supports, family characteristics, and other relevant circumstances.
Prepare and maintain patient documentation in the electronic medical record.
Maintain department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, infection control, and environmental control.
Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting required by the hospital, administrative council, care teams, JCAHO, and other agencies.
Conduct individual, marital, family, and group therapy as needed, and coordinate care conferences as needed.
Represent social work in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Use research findings to improve outcomes and support quality of life for patients and families.
Collaborate with Case Management to coordinate services and facilitate continuity of care.
Support patients, residents, and families dealing with emotional problems related to illness, admission, crisis situations, physical disabilities, helplessness, death, or the need for specialized care, and provide educational materials.
Apply Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles; promote compassion, hospitality, and stewardship; uphold CARE standards; maintain confidentiality; coordinate workflow and work effectively with the team; and comply with applicable safety laws, regulations, and standards.