Social Worker - Richard Demming Cancer Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employment Type : Full time

Full time

Shift : Description :

Description :

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Obtains social history information and identifies patient needs by interviewing the patient / family, reviewing the medical record, conferring with physicians and appropriate medical center staff and contacting other information sources as necessary and appropriate.

Analysis and evaluation of patient situation

• Consistently reflects advanced competency in psychosocial assessment and diagnosis. Assesses problems appropriately in terms of scope, consequences and needed interventions.
• Develops individualized psychosocial case plans based on assessment and in conjunction with other members of the health care delivery team.

Implements plan and monitors patient's progress.

Arranges for and / or coordinates a broad spectrum of discharge planning services. Consults with physicians, medical center staff, patient / family to determine patient's post-hospital needs and plans.

Provides patient / family with information on options / resources available and strategies for utilizing these resources.

Assists with all necessary referrals.

Demonstrates ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency tasks and responds accordingly. Provides immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance to patients / families dealing with a crisis or emergency situation.

Assists with referrals to community resources when appropriate.

• Provides psychosocial counseling / treatment services to restore patients and families to optimum social and physical health adjustment within their capacity.
• Provides factual information and materials to patients / families and others. Possesses knowledge of public and private welfare and health agencies available to serve the community.

Makes referrals promptly to appropriate agencies for services suitable to meet patient needs.

• Screens patients for financial assistance and helps clarify insurance benefits. Supports patients and families in their efforts to address and cope with the economic stresses brought on by their illness / injury.
• Develops and coordinates financial advocacy processes for cancer center patients. Including working with hospital and physician billing services on payment discounts, charity care, and other outside financial options to patients.
• Help patients with advance directives, FMLA, disability and other similar patient needs.
• Provides clinical and administrative social work consultation to physicians, allied health professionals, long-term care facilities and other medical centers through patient evaluations, case conferences, in-service programs and educational presentations.
• Maintains liaison with community health and social service agencies, establishes effective professional relationships by personal / telephone contact and correspondence.
• Documents social work activity in patient's medical record. Prepares and maintains records / reports in a timely and qualitative fashion.
• Recognizes the role of a social worker in the department and how it relates to the overall function of the hospital regarding patient care.
• Participates in Cancer Center accreditation meetings and committees relating to social work.
• Demonstrates leadership in problem solving and program development.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS :

• Participates in relevant hospital and community in-service training programs as required.
• Participates in planning and development of social work programs. Make suggestions for improving the department's services.
• Works on special projects and social work related tasks as assigned.
• Participates on committees as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• Master's degree in social work, required.
• Two years experience in medical social work is preferred.
• Understands medical terminology
• Knowledgeable regarding clinical interviewing techniques.
• Knowledgeable regarding social work principles, standards and ethics.
• Basic understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations and child / dependent adult laws and regulations are desired.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training, Dependent Adult and Child, within three (3) months of hire.
24 days ago