Social Worker - BSW - PRN

WVU Medicine; Ranson (WV); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WVU Medicine is seeking a qualified Social Worker in Ranson, WV, responsible for developing comprehensive discharge plans in collaboration with healthcare teams. The role requires a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, state licensure, and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in case management and social work experience. Flexibility for varied work hours and a commitment to patient advocacy are essential. Join a team that prioritizes quality healthcare delivery and community support.

Qualifications

• Current state licensure as a Social Worker for relevant states.
• Certification in Case Management preferred.
• Two years of social work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a discharge plan of care aligned with patients' needs.
• Communicate changes in the discharge plan to appropriate parties.
• Identify and refer patients to community resources as needed.
• Educate stakeholders about insurance coverage and regulations.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively with health care professionals

Basic computer knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Review discharge plan on an ongoing basis and communicate any changes to the appropriate party. Document the discharge plan in the electronic medical record.
• Identify potential problems with post‑discharge care and/or initiate early referrals to promote proper utilization of hospital resources and timely transfer to the appropriate level of care.
• Assist the interdisciplinary team in identifying alternate methods and level of care when the patient does not require acute hospitalization and take 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 refer 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.
• Provide education and guidance to physicians, patients, families and other health care professionals about Medicare, Medicaid and other third‑party payers coverage issues and regulations.
• Communicate 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

• Certification in Case Management.
• Two (2) years’ social work experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

Working Environment

• 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.

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.