A Family, School, or General Social Worker provides specialized assistance to vulnerable families and children. Intervenes in crisis situations; evaluates individual and family needs, helps clients get access to health care, mental health care or social services such as housing assistance. Advocates for clients and provides follow up visits. May work with teachers, parents and school administrators to help students improve academically and deal with social issues such as bullying.
Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, Ingalls Memorial Hospital , as an IMH Social Service Worker - Inpatient Rehab department. The Social Service Worker intervenes with patients who have complex social needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. In addition offer crisis intervention to patients and families with psycho-social needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations. This role will receive referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from Care Management and interdisciplinary team members (including physicians, staff nurses and other members of the care team). Knows, follows and actively supports the philosophy, mission and Vision of Ingalls Hospital. Adheres to all hospital policies, procedures and standards of care. Observes and adheres to all corporate compliance requirements and communicates issues as they arise with the appropriate parties as identified in the Corporate Compliance Plan. Essential Job Functions Assesses patients and families psycho-social risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope. Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of illness and/or disability; accesses and mobilizes family/community resources to meet identified needs. Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, elderly abuses, institutional abuse and sexual assault. Promotes patient and family empowerment and independence to navigate through the system. Collaborates with the patient, family and multi disciplinary team to assure psycho-social needs are addressed. Participate in discharge planning activities for complex patients, as needed, to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers. Deals with families with complex family dynamics. Communicates with Care Management regarding the discharge planning status of all patients referred by them. Assists Care Management with discharge planning activities as requested. Provides consultation to Care Management when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes. Receives referrals for complex patient problem resolution from Care Managers and/or Care Team. Screens and coordinates all new ECF and alternate level of care referrals. Informs Management Coordinator regarding trends and issues related to ECF quality of care. Validates discharge criteria for patient and families and notifies Care Managers of newly-identified resources or change in previously-identified resources. Educates patient/family and physician about post-acute options and addresses issues of choice. Provides intervention in child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, guardianship (temporary/permanent), foster care, adoption, mental health level II placement, advance directives, adult/elderly abuse, child protection and sexual assault. Required Qualifications BSW or BA in related health and human services field. Three years hospital/healthcare field experience. Working knowledge/experience in utilization management/managed care