Social Worker I, Behavioral Health Inpatient

Job Description

I. General Summary

Under direct supervision of an LCSW, provides therapeutic intervention and social work services to patients and their families to enhance comprehensive, integrated and uninterrupted care in the hospital and to have continuity of care in the community. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations with patients, families, visitors, medical teams, and co-workers in accordance with UMMC and departmental policies and procedures. Mobilizes resources to reduce risk, and serves as ambassador between hospital and community.

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Assess the patient’s psychosocial situation in relation to the medical and psychiatric needs by providing brief admission assessments of each patient, family, or significant other to extend support and determine willingness. Ability to understand and comply with the D/C treatment plan, and understand availability of the caregiver to care for the hospitalized patient upon discharge.
• Interviews patients, family members, and/or significant others identified through case finding or referral to assess needs for social work services.
• Reviews patient chart and nursing care plans for pertinent medical care or nursing care information.
• Provides preventive, protective, or supportive services, including mandatory reporting for patients who are in or who are threatened by situations detrimental to their well-being.
• Interprets psycho-social services programs and procedures to client, staff and community organizations.

Qualifications

III. Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Work required. Maryland state Licensed Master Social Work License (LMSW) and credentials is commensurate with clinical assignment.
• Two years social work experience in acute hospital setting is preferred. This may include internships and paid work experience.

IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of social work practices, individual, family and group counseling, case recording, chart documentation, community referrals, and effective networking techniques to coordinate services for patients outside of the hospital is required. Familiarity with general medicine, psychiatry, psychology and sociology and how social, familial, economic and individual factors affect how an individual functions is required.
• Knowledge of child and adult protection laws, state Medicaid guidelines, NASW code of ethics (professional standards), and confidentiality and privacy, as applicable to the particular area of specialty is required.

V. Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.