Req#: R32252
Category(s): Behavioral Health, Mental Health Counselor
Full Time / Part Time: Full-Time
Shift: First
Summary:
The Social Worker I – Ambulatory (“SW-I”) advocates for and helps patients and their families cope with challenges and adjustments related to diagnosis and treatment. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary care team that provides services based on the unique needs of each patient, the SW-I is responsible for addressing the psychosocial issues that arise in the ambulatory practice or home health/hospice setting. Through a range of focused social work interventions and practices, the role is designed to guide and assist patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team to work through an identified problem, to positively affect the patient's continuity of care, and to reach optimal outcomes.
Job Responsibilities:
- Provides Social Work assessment and counseling skills and refers patients to resources such as home-based services, educational support, housing, advocacy, welfare assistance, and other services. Demonstrates skilled assessment and knowledge about human behavior and theory including the psychosocial adjustment to illness and treatment impacting a patient as it relates to age-specific needs, stages of growth and development, and coping with illness and other life stressors.
- As part of the assessment, evaluates the patient and family's support system, economic status, and any immediate needs in order to help patients and families access community resources for mental health, financial (entitlement programs), housing, insurance, and transportation services. Assesses the risk of abuse/neglect for children, disabled adults, and/or elders as appropriate. Files reports with appropriate agencies as needed. Works as a responsible advocate for the patient's and family's concrete needs and services. Serves as a liaison with community resources on behalf of the patient.
- Conducts interviews with patients and their families/support persons to assess and identify issues and help patients and families adjust to their situations through a range of focused social work interventions.
- Coordinates input from all health care professionals, patient and family members to formulate a documented plan of care assuring continuity of care on a daily basis.
- Provides clinical consultation as an active member of the interdisciplinary care team regarding psychosocial issues, bio-ethical issues, barriers to care, and other issues affecting patients and their families.
- Supports the mission and philosophy of the department as well as the Operating and Service Standards of Baystate Health.
- Utilizes the dynamics of the health care delivery network to foster the best use of resources, effective service delivery, and patient and family satisfaction. Coordinates with inpatient social workers as needed.
- Plans and coordinates patient care conferences including follow-up interventions between the medical team and family as needed.
- Enters data and information into the electronic medical record and other electronic systems in order to maintain accurate clinical records for patients and ensure an integrated approach to care. Prepares reports timely, maintains accurate records for legal action. Refers patients to appropriate community resources including domestic violence referrals. Works in partnership with the care team coordinating referrals and follows-up on care coordination to assure timely interactions and access of services.
- Develops and maintains working relationships with community agencies. Attends meetings with other members of the health care team, and networks in the community to enhance the care coordination of patients, locally and statewide. Disseminates meeting minutes and updates leadership, staff, and the team regarding information and changes.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and professional work behaviors while serving as an advocate and role model on behalf of Baystate Health. Exemplifies the values, ethics, and specialized skill base of the Social Work Profession, and contributes these to the interdisciplinary care of patients.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Practice/Department Manager or Senior Leadership and in cooperation with BH Case Management/Social Services departments.
- Seeks consultation and supervision from LICSW colleagues as needed and appropriate.
Required Work Experience:
Minimum one year as a practicing social worker in a health care or social service setting required. Equivalent experience in a Master’s level health care setting internship may be considered.
Preferred Work Experience:
Equivalent experience within an Ambulatory health care setting; internship experience will be considered. Spanish, Bilingual language skills are optional.
Skills and Competencies:
Knowledge of local community services, local community resources, state, and federal programs that provide medical care and financial support to children and families. Ability to work independently and amicably in group situations. Demonstrated ability to be a team player. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to work with diverse patient and staff populations. Proficient in basic computer skills and Microsoft Office. Ability to navigate and document in clinical computerized patient care records.
You Belong At Baystate
At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.
DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.
Education:
Master of Social Work: Social Work (Required)
Certifications:
LCSW (obtained within 6 months of eligibility for new hires post-internship) – MA
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
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