Social Worker

MercyOne; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center is seeking a Social Worker to support patients and families across the care continuum, from admission to post-discharge follow-up.

You will perform psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources, ensuring compassionate, person-centered care. Strong communication and knowledge of healthcare systems are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Proficient in clinical interviewing techniques.
• Familiarity with social work principles, ethics.
• Basic knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid regulations and related laws (desired).
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Obtain social history and identify patient needs via interviews and records.
• Analyze psychosocial situation and plan care with the healthcare team.
• Develop and monitor individualized psychosocial case plans.
• Coordinate discharge planning and post-discharge needs.
• Provide information on resources and make referrals.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling.
• Counsel and treat to restore psychosocial health.
• Know community resources and refer accordingly.
• Screen for financial assistance and explain benefits.
• Provide clinical social work consultation to staff.
• Maintain documentation in medical records.
• Collaborate with departments in patient care.

Skills

Medical terminology

Clinical interviewing

Social work principles

Medicare/Medicaid regulations (overv)

Mandatory Reporter training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Job description

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Day Shift Description: MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center Central IA

Full-Time 80 Hours Biweekly (8 Hour Day Shift)

Day Shift, Weekend potential. On Call

SUMMARY:

The Social Worker is responsible for providing basic evaluative, preventive, therapeutic, restorative, and personal care services to meet the psychosocial needs of Mercy patients and their families. The goal is to enable patients to better utilize medical care resources and achieve their optimal level of health. This role applies fundamental psychosocial theories and methods to individuals, couples, families, and groups, addressing the complexity of each situation. The Social Worker will provide services across the continuum of care, from pre-admission to post-discharge follow-up, interacting with individuals of various ages and diverse backgrounds.

Essential Functions:

• Social History & Needs Assessment: Obtain social history information and identify patient needs through interviews with the patient and family, reviewing medical records, consulting with physicians and medical staff, and contacting other relevant sources as needed.

• Psychosocial Evaluation: Analyze and evaluate the patient’s psychosocial situation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the patient's needs.

• Case Planning & Implementation: Develop individualized psychosocial case plans based on the assessment, in collaboration with the healthcare team. Implement the plan and monitor the patient’s progress.

• Discharge Planning: Coordinate a wide range of discharge planning services. Consult with physicians, medical staff, and patients/families to determine post-hospital needs and create a plan for post-discharge care.

• Resource Education & Referral: Provide patients and families with information on available resources and strategies for utilizing these resources. Assist with necessary referrals to appropriate services.

• Crisis Intervention: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize emergency and non-emergency tasks, providing immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance to patients and families in crisis situations. Refer patients to community resources when appropriate.

• Psychosocial Counseling & Treatment: Provide psychosocial counseling and treatment services aimed at restoring optimal social and physical health adjustments for patients and families, within their capacity.

• Community Resource Knowledge: Possess knowledge of public and private welfare and health agencies available to serve the community. Make prompt referrals to appropriate agencies to meet patient needs.

• Financial Assistance & Insurance Support: Screen patients for financial assistance and help clarify insurance benefits. Support patients and families in coping with economic stresses related to illness or injury.

• Clinical Consultation: Provide clinical social work consultation to physicians and professional staff through patient evaluations, case conferences, in-service programs, and educational presentations.

• Community Liaison: Maintain relationships with community health and social service agencies, establishing effective professional connections through personal/telephone contact and correspondence.

• Documentation: Document all social work activity in the patient's medical record. Maintain records and reports in a timely, accurate, and qualitative manner.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Recognize the role of the social worker in the department and its relationship to the overall function of the hospital in patient care.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (required).

• Medical Knowledge: Understanding of medical terminology.

• Clinical Skills: Proficient in clinical interviewing techniques.

• Social Work Knowledge: Familiarity with social work principles, standards, and ethics.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Basic understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as child/dependent adult laws and regulations (desired).

• Training: Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to the population served, within three (3) months of hire.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy c ompetitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system !

Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System circle of care .

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.