Social Work Assistant

Westchester Medical Center Health Network; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center Health Network is seeking a Social Work Assistant to support case management and discharge planning within the inpatient behavioral health unit. You will collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate post-discharge referrals and ensure timely documentation.

The role requires excellent communication, the ability to manage a high caseload, and adherence to infection control and hospital policies.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in Acute Behavioral Health clinical specialty.
• Discharge planning experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assist Discharge Planner with post-discharge referrals to community agencies.
• Document all interactions timely and accurately.
• Maintain professional behavior and strong guest relations in inpatient units.
• Identify and communicate problems to the Discharge Planner and treatment team.
• Adhere to hospital policies and safe work practices.
• Develop knowledge of community resources and services.
• Maintain a safe, organized work area.
• Foster positive relationships with community providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

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.

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.