Social Worker, MSW

Job Summary :

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, responsible for assessing and providing support and intervention for the social and emotional needs of patients and their families to promote continuity of care and services.

Work involves professional activities such as psycho-social assessment, mental health screening and referral, crisis intervention, environmental assistance, patient advocacy, after-care planning and others of similar scope and complexity, depending on the assigned work unit.

Note :

1) If assigned to Behavioral Health or Emergency Services, duties also include mental health assessment and evaluation.

2) Employees assigned to the Emergency Department must meet special requirements as outlined in the Minimum Job Qualifications section.

Essential Job Duties :

Performs assessments, evaluation, mental health screening and / or mental health assessment and evaluation, and referrals, focusing on the psychosocial needs of the patient and family;

facilitates family conferences as appropriate; identifies and communicates social, emotional and patient / family stressors to members of the care team as it relates to patient’s problems and plan of care.

Plans and coordinates interventions, provides counseling services and evaluates effectiveness of interventions for identified patients and families based on specific department standards.

Identifies and facilitates safe discharge planning along the continuum.

Communicates and documents plan to interdisciplinary patient care team.

Promotes safety, quality and appropriate resource utilization.

Advocates on behalf of patients and caregivers for service access and for safety and rights (e.g. victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, disability access or community-based services).

Ensures compliance with state reporting requirements and appropriate documentation as identified by department policy and regulatory requirements / agencies.

Provides consultation to staff and physicians regarding reporting requirements.

Provides consultation and guidance to staff and physicians about patient psychosocial issues and needs.

Qualifications

Education / Work Experience :

Master’s Degree in a behavioral health field (e.g. sociology, psychology, counseling, etc.) required; MSW is preferred. MSW required for the following departments :

Oncology

Mother / Baby

Two years recent related work experience in a healthcare setting preferred. Depending on the assigned work unit / service line, work experience in a specialized field may be required (i.e. Nephrology).

NOTE : If assigned to the Emergency Department, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of WAC 388-865-0238 (Definition of a Mental Health Professional) in order to meet the requirements of RCW 71.

05 as relates to the provision of Mental Health Evaluations in the Emergency Department.

Licensure / Certification :

Current Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or

Current Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), or

Current Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW), or

Current Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or

Current licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LSWAIC) or

Current Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHCA) or

Current Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTA) or

Eligible for Agency Affiliated Counselor; and the state must receive the application within seven (7) days of employment;

and the credential must be obtained within 60 days of hire. Licensure must be obtained within 42 months.