Social Worker

Advocate Health; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Social Worker to lead discharge planning for hospital inpatients. You will assess needs, document plans, and collaborate with physicians, case managers, and therapists to ensure safe, timely discharges.

Counseling for patients and families, plus linking to community resources, are key components of the role. You will participate in multi-disciplinary conferences, maintain compliant records, and uphold NASW ethics and standards while supporting ongoing care

Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited school of Social Work with hospital experience.
• Adheres to NASW code of ethics and standards.
• Competent in counseling and discharge planning.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds when required.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients for discharge planning needs and document plans.
• Collaborate with physicians and care teams to develop post-discharge plans.
• Provide counseling to patients and families and connect to community resources.
• Attend patient care conferences and coordinate with case managers and referrals.
• Maintain timely documentation in the medical record and comply with licensure.

Skills

Counseling

Discharge planning

Collaboration

Documentation

Education

MSW

NASW ethics

Job description

Major Responsibilities: Discharge planning for hospital inpatients 1) Assess patients for discharge planning needs. 2) Complete initial evaluation and place in medical record according to department policy. 3) Collaborate with Physicians and other hospital disciplines to proactively develop plans for continued care after discharge. 4) Collaborate and coordinate with Physicians, HMO, PPO, Case Managers, Physical Therapy, Nursing and other personnel regarding discharge needs. 5) Develop and update the discharge plan and document the plan in the medical record according to departmental policy. 6) Act as community liaison to arrange resources and enhance safe and timely discharges. 7) Organize and attend patient care conferences to further identify each patient’s potential discharge needs. 8) Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all referral sources. Provision of counseling services to patients and families 1) Utilize crisis intervention techniques when indicated. 2) Evaluate patient/family support systems, financial support, lifestyles for patients and/or families. 3) Provide adjustment counseling with emphasis on education/support. 4) Provide information regarding community resources for ongoing counseling services. 5)Provide age specific appropriate assessment and counseling for patients and family support systems. Timely and complete documentation to meet licensure and third party payor requirements 1) Documentation of assessment and/or plan entered in the medical record adhereing to hospital policy. 2) Documentation reflects accurate psychosocial assessment, case progress, and plan of action Provision of inservices to assigned units and attendance of educational seminars as appropriate 1) Continuing education is a professional responsibility 2) Continuing education units (CEU’s) required for licensure will be completed and documented within NASW timeframes. 3) Conducts inservices on assigned units as indicated and appropriate 4) Conducts support groups as assigned 5) Provides patient, family, significant other education as needs are identified. Preparation of statistical records 1) Conducts monthly audits and enters data as per department policy. Functions as a member of the care management team 1) Attends patient care conferences and multi-disciplinary team conferences. 2) Keeps staff informed of Social Work progress on open cases and notifies appropriate personnel of updates and changes. 3) Collaborates with members of the health care team as indicated 4) Evaluates the patient/family’s psychosocial needs in relation to the medical situation. 5)Continuously collaborates with the assigned case manager. 6)Prioritizes referrals. Contributes to Continuous Process Improvement activities 1) Offers innovative ideas to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the department. 2) Collects data as requested by department head. Licensure: Social Worker, Clinical Education/Experience Required: MSW from accredited school of Social Work and field experience within a hospital setting. The candidate must recognize age specific needs and behaviors. Must adhere to NASW code of ethics and standards. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Demonstrates competence in counseling and discharge planning. MSW (Licensed Social Worker Masters) from accredited school of Social Work and field experience. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: N/A If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.