Social Worker

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

Job summary

MercyOne Health System in Des Moines is seeking a Social Worker for a full-time, 12-hour day shift to support psychosocial care across the hospital. You will provide evaluative, preventive, therapeutic and personal care services to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and families, guiding them through admission, treatment, and discharge.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and proficiency in clinical interviewing, medical terminology, and social work ethics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required.
• Proficient in clinical interviewing techniques.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of social work ethics and standards.
• Training: Mandatory Reporter abuse training within three months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Obtain social history information and assess patient needs through interviews with the patient and family, reviewing medical records, consulting with physicians and medical staff, and contacting other sources as needed.
• Analyze and evaluate the patient’s psychosocial situation to understand needs.
• Develop psychosocial case plans with the healthcare team and monitor progress.
• Coordinate discharge planning and post-hospital care with physicians and families.
• Provide crisis intervention and counseling as needed and refer to community resources.
• Refer patients to community resources and assist with necessary referrals.
• Document all social work activity in the patient’s medical record with timely, accurate records.
• Collaborate with departments to support patient care and service delivery.

Skills

Medical terminology

Clinical interviewing

Social work ethics

Regulatory knowledge

Mandatory Reporter Training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Job description

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

Description

MercyOne Des Moines

Full-Time (72 hours biweekly)

12 Hour Day Shift

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 competitive 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.