Social Worker, LMSW

Social work services are rendered to patients and their families who utilize the inpatient and outpatient medical programs of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. These services are provided by a licensed professional social worker under supervision to promote the highest possible level of functioning and maximize benefits from medical care in a compassionate and caring manner. With the increase in experience and corresponding salary grade, it is expected that the social worker assumes responsibility with latitude for decision making and setting of priorities. All duties are performed in a manner consistent with Wyckoff Heights Medical Center’s commitment to providing Care with Kindness while promoting service excellence. Completes patient assessment that includes identification of needs in discharge planning within the timeframe set forth in departmental policy. Includes biopsychosocial, financial, medical and physical factors in the assessment in consideration with age specific issues and clinical impressions. Respects patient’s cultural, language, religious and spiritual values, beliefs, preferences and accommodates accordingly. Assesses patient's capacity for self-care. Assesses the availability and capability of family and/or friends to provide care at home, if patient is unable to care for self. Respects, protects, and promotes patient rights. Actively engages patient and/or family to participate in the development and implementation of plan. Performs reassessment of patient on an ongoing basis per Department policy review recommended plan and/or reflect any changes in patient’s medical/social condition that may require a change in the plan. Provides post hospital care options to the patient and/or family and allows their freedom to choose the providers for post hospital care. Coordinates patient care plans by working closely with multidisciplinary team to develop safe discharge plan in consideration with their recommendations. Effectively communicates with multidisciplinary team and other social work staff to ensure appropriate hand-off. Demonstrates knowledge and use of community based resources to meet patients’ needs while allowing the patient to continue living and maintain health in the community. Educates and arranges for placement in another healthcare facility for patients unable to return home. Coordinates patient services with payors, multidisciplinary team, patient/family and community resources. Advocates on behalf of the patient with the referral and payor sources for accessing needed services. Provides short term counseling for problem solving, crisis intervention, bereavement and adjustment with medical diagnosis and/or hospitalization. Performs psychosocial or discharge planning evaluation at the request of the patient/family or physician regardless of High Risk Criteria. Seeks guidance from Supervisor or peers for cases involving complex psychosocial or discharge planning situations. Demonstrates the ability to set priorities. Uses time in a cost effective and cost efficient manner. Demonstrates ability to handle crisis or unfavorable situations. Uses a variety of techniques to assist in the resolution of patient care related problems. Exercise time management and prioritizing skills in a day to day practice for result oriented outcome. Compiles with required standards for medical/legal reporting situations such as child abuse, adult abuse, sexual abuse. Attends staff meetings and/or work assignment related meetings and educational in- services, supervision or trainings to improve performance and delivery of patient care. Identifies and participates in opportunities for practice based continuous quality improvement activities. Understands and agrees that work assignments and time schedules are changeable within the scope of services and as per need of the Department. Performs all other duties as assigned. Understands and agrees that work assignments and time schedules are changeable within the scope of services and as per need of the Department.