Social Worker Screener

WMCHealth; Village of Suffern (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Social Work Screener for its Emergency Department. The role involves conducting psychiatric emergency screenings, obtaining insurance approvals, and collaborating with medical staff. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in social work and possess relevant licensure. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, assisting patients in crisis and ensuring proper documentation and care coordination.

Qualifications

• Experience in a psychiatric setting is essential.
• Must have a valid license as LMSW, LCSW, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric emergency room screening and determine patient disposition.
• Obtain insurance approval for inpatient behavioral health treatment.
• Document interactions promptly and accurately.

Skills

Social work experience

Education

Master's degree in social work or mental health

Job description

The Social Work Screener's primary role is to provide psychiatric emergency screening in GSH Emergency Department requesting or requiring psychiatric evaluation. The Screener is also responsible for obtaining insurance approval for inpatient behavioral health treatment, ensuring that correct legal papers are completed, and preparing other documentation as necessary. Maintaining administrative records related to emergency evaluations is also part of the role. The Screener works closely with ED physicians, staff members, psychiatrists on-call, and the Behavioral Health Department. They frequently contact law enforcement personnel, EMS, security, ED RN staff, and family members.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Emergency Department

• Provide psychiatric emergency room screening and determine the disposition of patients; refer those ineligible for admission to other community resources.
• Exhibit high standards of guest, staff, and community relations, maintaining professional behavior at all times.
• Obtain insurance approval for inpatient behavioral health treatment.
• Ensure that legal papers are completed correctly and prepare other necessary documentation.
• Document all interactions promptly and accurately on the appropriate forms.
• Work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Identify problems and plan interventions accordingly.
• Adhere to Chemical Dependency policies and procedures when admitting new patients.
• Stay informed about community resources and services.
• Arrange post-discharge care by referring patients to appropriate community agencies.
• Collect data and prepare monthly statistical reports for review by the Clinical Director.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment, following hospital policies and safety practices.
• Keep an ER log of encounters in the ER and on medical floors.
• Foster positive relationships with community service providers.

Medical Units

• Assist psychiatrists with addressing consults/detox in medical floors, including initial screening and follow-up, coordinating with case management.
• Attend Code Gray/Behavioral emergency calls on medical floors.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience: Social work experience in a psychiatric setting.
• Education: Master's degree from an accredited school of social work or mental health.
• Licenses / Certification: Valid license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or a limited permit in Social Work or Mental Health Counselor.
• Special Requirements: N/A

About Us:

Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, is a 286-bed facility providing emergency, medical, surgical, obstetrical/gynecological, and acute-care services to residents of Rockland and southern Orange counties in NY, as well as northern Bergen County, NJ. It features a recognized cardiovascular program, comprehensive cancer treatment services, a leading Wound and Hyperbaric Institute, and excellent maternal/child services including a Children's Diagnostic Center. The hospital also offers social, psychiatric, and substance-abuse services, along with a certified home-care agency supporting residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond.