POSITION SUMMARY

The Social Services Worker is a social worker, licensed by the State of Texas, who assists in coordinating the discharge planning functions at Hunt Regional Healthcare. The SW also assesses patients' social factors and connects patients with internal and external community resources. The SW works closely with nursing personnel, physicians, other hospital personnel, as well as patients and outside agencies.

POSITION SUPERVISORY

RESPONSIBILITIESReports To:

Director, Coordinated CareManager, Coordinated CareSupervises:

None

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum EducationBachelor of Social Work degree granted by an accredited school/program of social work.

Minimum Work ExperienceRequired Licenses/CertificationsMust maintain Texas state licensure in social work - current LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW credentials required.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities1. Effective written and verbal communication and negotiating skills with all levels ofinternal and external customers.2. Must demonstrate positive relationship building with Coordinated Care co-workers,medical staff, patients, and other members of the clinical care team.3. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively implement changes4. Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to assess the care appropriate to the age of thepatient. 5.Posses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information relative to the patient's age-specific needs and provide care needed, including but not limited to principles of growth and development, psychological needs, physiological needs and the geriatric population.

Preferred QualificationMasters of Social Work degree granted by an accredited school/program of social work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS1.

Must work varied hours and schedules to meet the requirements of the position.2. May be exposed to communicable diseases.3. May be exposed to combative and/or patients in crisis.4. Required to read paper and electronic medical records.5. Is required to key information using a computer monitor and keyboard.6. Work will be primarily performed on patient care units.7. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.8. Due to the nature of hospital services, it may become necessary to work extended hours or other variations of the usual shift or schedule to ensure adequate care of patients and to maintain service to the community.

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS1.

Demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to the HMHD Compliance Plan.2. Conduct reflects HMHD's values and a commitment to HMHD's Code of Conduct.3. Attends the required corporate integrity and compliance training and education programs.4. Demonstrates proficiency in understanding the materials presented during the corporate integrity and compliance training and education program.5. Complies with all HIPAA standards.6. Social Workers will identify patients with social needs through social assessments, consults, and requests from patients and families.7. The social worker will respond to referrals within 24 hours of referral and document findings in the medical record.8. Counsel with patients and families needs such as coping with their diagnoses, decision-making, crisis situations, end of life issues and mental health issues.9. Educate patients and their families of the resources available to meet their needs.10. Work closely with the patient/family and the health care provider to coordinate appropriate and timely discharges.11. Obtain and maintain current and thorough knowledge of local social service agencies which may be utilized to help meet patient needs.12. Works closely with other disciplines to identify patient needs.13. Assists in identifying patients with financial needs and make appropriate referrals/arrangements for follow-up.14. Assists patients/families in securing medical equipment which may be needed after discharge.15. Assists in making post-discharge arrangements for patients who have identified needs.16. Understands the relationship between discharge planning and length of stay, and works closely with Utilization Review personnel so as to assist in discharging patients in the timeliest manner possible from a discharge planning perspective.17. Coordinates mental health services for patients with mental health needs.

Additional Competencies for Licensed Master's Social Workers18. Perform comprehensive mental health risk assessments as indicated by patient need.19. Assess the patient's risk of self-harm and/or risk of harm to others as indicated.

Additional Competencies for Licensed Clinical Social Workers20. Assessment of severity and acuity of symptomology.21. Analyze and interprets all relevant data to determine treatment recommendations and priorities.22. Develop a treatment plan in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.23. Formulate with the client mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objectives.24. Document assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan in the medical record.25. Provide on-going assessment, treatment planning and goal setting.26. Provide treatment, which includes individual psychotherapy sessions and family therapy sessions as outlined in the patient's individual treatment plan.27. Provide brief supportive counseling, skills, training and psychoeducation for patients in the interim until they qualify for and await services from local mental health providers.28. Collaborates and communicates with team members to provide holistic integrated treatment.29. Screens for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, aggression or danger to others,potential for self-inflicted harm or suicide, and coexisting behavioral health problems.