Job Details
Under the immediate supervision of the Director of Community & Population Health, is responsible for the provision of social services to any patient identified as needing social services screening or intervention in the acute care setting, Swing Bed program and including consultation to the Emergency Department and other care departments as needed. The Inpatient Social Worker will work with inpatient team members to facilitate an effective utilization of services throughout the continuum of care for patients identified. The Inpatient Social Worker will use collaborative and systematic processes to determine the correct plan, coordination of services, and implementation of an individualized discharge plan.
This is a part-time position working 24 hours per week.
Responsibilities
Provision of Social Services in a Critical Access Hospital setting
1 Screening and assessment: Screen all admissions for high risk patients within 48 hours of admission prioritizing them for assessment and interventions. Has contact with patients and their families and/or social supports in a timely fashion in order to best assess comprehensive discharge needs. Assesses patients' social, economic, physiological, environmental and cultural situation to coordinate individualized care management plans for patients and families.
2 Discharge planning: Participates in planning the discharge of acute care and Swing Bed program patients with the multidisciplinary team taking into account the medical condition, family dynamics and the contributing psycho-social aspects of the discharge plan. Makes appropriate and timely referrals to community agencies including completion of required documentation for referrals. Recommends and makes adjustments in discharge plan throughout length of stay.
3 Documentation: Maintains accurate documentation in the patient's medical record. Documents assessments, progress notes and discharge plans in a timely and professional manner.
4 Quality assurance: Oversees functions, processes, and outcomes of discharge planning to ensure safe, comprehensive and timely patient discharges that are appropriate for patient resources.
Patient Advocacy and Education
1 Serves as liaison between patient, family, hospital team members and community resources required to ensure safe and appropriate discharge plans. Is flexible in scheduling to be available to patients, families and staff when the need for intervention arises.
2 Provides clear communication of patient plan of care and education regarding plan at a level the patient, family and caregiver can intellectually and emotionally comprehend.
3 Assists patients and families in accessing appropriate resources/agencies to assist in applying for financial assistance and programs of assistance to promote/sustain wellness and/or quality of life.
4 Takes proactive steps to recognize and report suspected abuse/neglect including child abuse/neglect, elder abuse, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, caregiver neglect and exploitation
Facilitates communication across healthcare continuum
1 Interacts with physicians, nurses, and other caregivers to determine most appropriate discharge plans and necessary resources. Makes information relative to hospital and community resources available to physicians and other interdisciplinary staff.
2 Provides coordination of Swing Bed program through outreach, patient recruitment, and coordination of discharge plan.
3 Serves as a resource and consultant to assist with case management needs in the Emergency Department and other hospital departments as time and responsibilities for management of hospital inpatients permits.
4 Acts as a liaison between acute care and outpatient services making appropriate referrals to Outpatient Social Services and/or Care Coordination. Actively participates in Multidisciplinary Care Coordination (MDCC) team meetings to discuss and plan interventions for Huggins Hospital's highest-risk patient population.
Develops and maintains effective relationships
1 Consistently utilizes clear, concise, professional communication in all interactions (verbal, written and within the electronic medical record). This includes interactions with patients, their families and/or social supports, between disciplines, inter-departmentally and with outside agencies.
2 Demonstrates flexibility in practice and collaborates to guide and teach other departments how to best meet patients' social needs and access supportive resources.
3 Cultivates and maintains positive working relationships through open lines of communication with other departments, physicians, patients and their families and the network of community partners.
Qualifications
At least two years of experience working in Social Services in a health care or related field. Should have strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and experience building positive and productive relationships with partners and stakeholders. Experience coordinating services for vulnerable and/or at-risk populations and projects or programs.
Pay & Benefits
- $23-$28 per hour
- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- 403(b) with employer match
- Earned time accrual for paid time off
- Tuition Assistance