The Social Worker MSW assesses and assists with complex psychosocial needs of patients, by providing specialized services to address problem-solving and coping behaviors in the acute care setting. The MSW, in collaboration with Patient Navigators and the multidisciplinary team, coordinates services and interventions to promote appropriate utilization of resources and to contribute to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. The MSW provides complex discharge planning as needed. The MSW is a strong patient advocate and acts as a resource to other department staff as well as other hospital departments in meeting the needs of the complex patient. The MSW intervenes with at-risk patients that require the highest level of continuing care services while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards of care at the organizational, state and federal level.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides psychosocial assessment, intervention and facilitates referrals to community resources to patients in a variety of care settings.
- Formulates, develops and implements psychosocial treatment plan utilizing appropriate social work interventions that may include crisis intervention, emotional support as well as grief and bereavement services.
- Promotes coping skills and healthy lifestyle changes.
- Assesses patients, for transitional planning needs, including any barriers to discharge, family and social supports, capacity for self-care, adaptive abilities and financial resources.
- Develops individualized, patient-focused plan for meeting continuing care needs.
- Provides education and presents resource options available to patients and families.
- Reviews and assists patients to complete advance directives.
- Organizes, conducts and participates in patient care conferences, to promote understanding of medical recommendations, compliance with the medical care regimen, assist families to understand comfort measures and facilitate family decision-making.
- Provides education, support and counseling to patients/families in regards to issues related to adaptation to the patients' diagnosis/illness/treatment and or life situation.
- Communicates effectively with patients, families and the healthcare team, to ensure that the patient's right to self- determination is met.
- Maintains detailed knowledge of community resources to effectively address patient needs and help to strengthen patient's network of social support.
- Documents plan of care, interventions, patient choices and progress toward goals in a timely and concise manner.
- Facilitates crisis intervention services in the hospital setting as determined by scope of practice.
- Identifies and reports child and/or elder abuse to local authorities according to law.
- Act as a liaison with county officials for patients involved with protective services, aging, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, mental health services and economic support.
- Maintains current knowledge and awareness of payer/reimbursement practice and regulations impacting the patient's plan of care.
- Negotiates care issues as appropriate (indigent issues and availability of resources).
- Promotes customer satisfaction and intervenes at critical moments of service.
- Monitors inpatient readmissions for specialized intervention.
- Provides follow-up for cases as needed.
- Assist with identifying avoidable day information for organizational tracking and trending.
Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:
Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.
Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.
Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
Education and Experience
Masters degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Two years related experience and/or training in acute care setting.
Certification and Licensure
Social Worker License in the state of practice required within six months of hire. Wisconsin.
Case Management Certification (ACMA) preferred.
Skills and Abilities
Phone Skills
Must be skilled with use of voice mail and phone features. Must be able to use available technology for language interpretation.
Computer Skills
Must have expert knowledge of Allscripts Care Management program and Epic EMR. Must be able to use Microsoft Outlook and have basic knowledge of Excel and Word. Must be able to toggle between computer applications.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Must be available to work and or be on-call during weekends and holidays, as assigned. On-call requires accessibility by pager or cell phone during assigned hours and ability to respond promptly to pages by phone.
Special Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, handle, finger, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision and occasional distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Specific fine motor abilities required include writing, keyboard entry and mouse use.
Level of Supervision
Assignments are based on abilities and are normally received in the form of results expected and due dates. Only general procedures are available to guide work. Must be able to work independently with minimal guidance.
Supervises
This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities but acts as a consultant for SW staff in the department.