Social Work Assistant

Westchester Medical Center; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center is seeking a Social Work Assistant to support case management and discharge planning in the Behavioral Health unit. You will collaborate with the inpatient multidisciplinary team to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to community services.

The role requires strong communication, data handling, and the ability to manage a high caseload while upholding infection control and professional standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Associate's Degree preferred.
• 2-3 years of Acute Behavioral Health experience with discharge planning preferred.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Case Management team and participate in inpatient unit meetings.
• Assist Discharge Planner with post-discharge referrals to community agencies.
• Document all interactions accurately and timely.
• Maintain professional behavior and positive relations with staff, clients, and community providers.
• Identify problems and communicate them to the Discharge Planner and treatment team.
• Comply with hospital policies, infection control, and safe work practices.
• Develop and expand knowledge of community resources and services.
• Handle high caseload with data management and coordination with interdisciplinary staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Ability to manage data

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree preferred

Job description

The Social Work Assistant is responsible for providing case management and discharge planning services. This professional is a key member of the Case Management treatment team and is an active member in the inpatient unit's multidisciplinary daily meeting.

Responsibilities:

• Functions as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assists Discharge Planner with post discharge care of patients by sending and following up with referrals to appropriate community agencies to meet aftercare needs.
• Documents all interaction timely and accurately.
• Exhibits high standards of guest, staff and community relations and maintains professional behavior in performing these duties.
• Identifies problems and communicates these problems to the Discharge Planner and treatment team.
• Adheres to Mental Health Units policies and procedures in admitting new patients.
• Develops and expands knowledge of community resources and other concrete services.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area and adheres to hospital policies, procedures, and standard safe work practices.
• Maintains and fosters positive working relationships with appropriate community service providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in Acute Behavioral Health clinical specialty, preferred.
• Experience with discharge planning preferred.

Education:

• High School Diploma
• Associate's Degree preferred

Other:

• If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage a high caseload.
• Ability to manage high volume of data and successfully negotiate with the interdisciplinary staff and external agencies.