Behavioral Health Social Worker - FT - Days - BH Flex (New Behavioral Hospital) - 19783

Summary: The Behavioral Health Social Worker is to provide social work expertise to hospital wide program development and implementation and to be responsible for the coordination and delivery of social services that include conducting comprehensive assessments, development of discharge plans and managing complex psychosocial issues in assigned areas. The BH Social Worker is responsible for assessing and addressing patient needs, maintaining standards of quality patient care, and collaborating as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The BH Social Worker is on-site and available five days a week, as well as holidays and, therefore, is required to work on a weekend rotation and an occasional holiday and will be on call as required by departmental scheduling.

Position Education/Qualifications: Master's degree in social work required. Valid Social Worker license to practice in the State of Texas. Four (4) years' experience, one (1) year with a specific patient population (may commensurate for educational requirements). Good knowledge of theory & practices of social work required. An understanding of psychiatric care, forensic behavioral health, and legal system required. Four (4) years' clinical experience is required, with experience in a hospital or acute care setting being strongly preferred. Resource management/case management experience is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills (oral and verbal) required. Demonstrate an understanding of community health, welfare, and social agencies. Working knowledge of Medicare, and third-party payers preferred.

Responsibilities: All duties are applicable in all units throughout the hospital including adult, adolescent, child, geriatric, state, civil, and state forensic units. Functions as a resource to nursing staff regarding patient psychosocial assessment and discharge plan to assure consistent and appropriate care is provided in a patient focused manner. Assess the psychosocial needs of the patient and family to develop, communicate, and implement an effective and comprehensive plan for psychosocial interventions and complex discharges. Will act as a resource regarding social systems, institutions, and behavioral and relationship patterns. Skillfully apply the appropriate interventions to meet the needs of the patient and family. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to assure effective, efficient, appropriate care in order to optimize the health status and assure a smooth transition between levels of care for patients served. Provide education and expertise to promote the practice and profession of social work within the hospital. Serve on specialty areas within the hospital that require a SW for regulatory or grant funding requirements. Analyzes and addresses aggregate variances as well as variances from individual patients and shares this information with staff, physicians, and administration. Educates the staff on case management and provides specific information related to case types, including financial data. Plans and implements (through multi-disciplinary meetings or rounds) strategies to reduce length of stay, reduce resource consumption, and achieve positive patient outcomes. Utilizes appropriate resources in cases that present ethical dilemmas. Manages each patient's transition through the system and transfers accountability to the appropriate person upon entry into another clinical service or upon discharge. May be called upon to undertake supervision of students, trainees or staff other than Social Workers. In accordance with departmental policy, will be required to attend relevant training courses and staff developmental programs when these are made available and recommended by senior staff/training officers. Will be required to undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job. Required to be on call with weekend rotation as deemed mandatory by departmental scheduling. Adheres to internal controls established for department. Promotes the facility mission, vision and values by effectively communication them to others. Considers mission, vision and values in developing services standards and practices. Responds to referrals from other health team members regarding patient and/or family issues. Documents acknowledgement of referral as soon as possible after notification of need for SW and completes medical record documentation as soon as possible, or by end of shift. Maintains personal competencies needed for licensure and attending internal and external educational offerings. Utilizes appropriate resources in cases that present ethical dilemmas. Skillfully apply the appropriate interventions to meet the needs of the patient and family. Consistently demonstrates ability to exercise independent judgment and recognize strengths and abilities. Communicates the discharge plan to patients/ patient representatives and pertinent healthcare team members. Performs social work assessment of patient and support systems in order to facilitate the most appropriate and timely transition plan. Responds to referrals within 24 hours of request for SW services. Performs related duties as required.