Social Worker

WVU Medicine Berkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers; Ranson (WV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WVU Medicine Berkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers in West Virginia are seeking a dedicated social worker to provide counseling, crisis intervention, and discharge planning as part of the care management team.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work and active licensure (LSW) in the applicable state; applicants may hold WV OH MD licenses, while PA requires no licensure. Flexible hours and strong collaboration with clinical staff are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.
• Active state licensure as required by the state where services are provided.
• Licensure options include WV LSW, OH LSW, MD LBSW; PA requires no licensure.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive assessments to develop safe discharge plans.
• Assess changes in physician plans and impact on discharge.
• Review discharge plans and document in EMR.
• Identify post-discharge care needs and refer timely.
• Collaborate with hospital and community resources to meet patient needs.
• Assist in ensuring appropriate care levels and minimize financial loss.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Collaborative approach with healthcare

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – WV

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – OH

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) – MD

PA: No state licensure required

Job description

Provides social work services to patients, their families and/or significant others through counseling, emotional support, assisting with environmental needs, crisis intervention, and group leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Must possess current license as required by state board where services will be provided:

WV: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) through the West Virginia Board of Social Work

OH: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) through the Ohio Board of Social Work

MD: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) through the Maryland Board of Social Work

PA: No state licensure required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE

• Certification in Case Management.

EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years' social work experience.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Complete a comprehensive assessment to develop a safe, realistic discharge plan of care appropriate for the patient, in consideration of psychosocial, emotional and financial needs, and in collaboration with the care management team and documents in the electronic medical record.
• Assess changes in the physician’s plan of care and any impact on the discharge plan.
• Reviews discharge plan on an ongoing basis and communicates any changes to the appropriate party. Documents the discharge plan in the electronic medical record.
• Identifies potential problems with post-discharge care and /or initiates early referrals to promote proper utilization of hospital resources and timely transfer to the appropriate level of car.
• Assists the interdisciplinary team in identifying alternate methods and level of care when patient does not require acute hospitalization and takes appropriate action to minimize financial loss to the hospital and improve the quality of patient care delivery (discuss cases with patients and families, consult with physician).
• Explore and collaborate with resources within the hospital and community to meet defined patient needs and refers patients and/or families to resources including but not limited to income assistance programs, transportation services, meal assistance, etc.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of abuse and/or neglect and make referrals to appropriate agencies (Adult Protective Services or Child Protective Services).
• Assist in identifying a decision maker of medical (Health Care Surrogate) or if there is an existing Medical Power of Attorney designee and presence of a Living Will or other advance directive. Assist patient in completing Living Will, Advance Directive and Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) forms as requested.
• Work with hospital legal counsel in pursuing and expediting guardianship, and/or conservatorship actions when necessary.
• Provides education and guidance to physicians, patient, family and other health care professionals about Medicare, Medicaid and other third party payers coverage issues and regulations.
• Communicates to case management leadership or designees and/or appropriate physician, medical staff director/peer review regarding deviations from expected norm, quality or appropriateness of care; length of stay issues; risk management issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Flexible hours to include weekends and holidays.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with health care professionals at all levels to achieve established goals and improve quality outcomes.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate standard office software.

Additional Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company

JMC Jefferson Medical Center

Cost Center

406 JMC Care Management

Address

300 S Preston St
Ranson
West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.