Employment Type:
Part time
Shift:
Description:
The Emergency Department (ED) Social Worker collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to provide rapid psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, and discharge planning to support safe and timely patient disposition. This role focuses on identifying and addressing immediate social, behavioral, and environmental barriers that impact patient care and throughput in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
The ED Social Worker plays a critical role in ensuring patients are safely transitioned from the ED by coordinating appropriate resources and services. Integration of social services into emergency medical care promotes efficient patient flow, reduces delays in disposition, and supports quality, cost-effective outcomes.
The Social Worker must demonstrate a strong understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on acute presentations and recurrent ED utilization. This role requires in-depth knowledge of community resources and the ability to rapidly navigate systems related to behavioral health, housing, substance use treatment, legal/social services, and other community-based programs.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Accurately assesses psychosocial situations at the appropriate level and develops a treatment plan consistent with identified needs. De-escalation and crisis stabilization with focus on mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. Provides support for behavioral health crises, including coordination of psychiatric evaluation and placement Assists with timely patient disposition to reduce ED length of stay and improve throughput Addresses needs of high-risk and vulnerable populations, including frequent ED utilizers and patients experiencing homelessness Supports safety planning for patients at risk of harm to self or others Abuse and neglect assessment and mandated reporting. Implements safe and timely discharge plans to support appropriate ED disposition and prevent unnecessary admissions. Effectively communicates timely discharge planning activities with the care team in a fast paced, real-time environment to support timely disposition decisions. Demonstrates a current working knowledge of community resources, eligibility criteria and referral processes. Provides brief, solution-focused counseling and support to assist patients in stabilizing immediate needs and safely transitioning to the next level of care. Initiates referrals to appropriate community-based or post-acute services as needed to support safe discharge from the ED. Applies evidence-based social work principles and clinical judgement in assessment and intervention. Demonstrates self-awareness as it relates to theory and practice; successfully overcomes personal biases to objectively provide services. Supports patients/families/staff without colluding with dysfunctional behaviors. Is a patient advocate. Effectively prioritizes a high-volume, rapid turnover workload based on acuity and immediate patient needs. Demonstrates working knowledge of payer requirements as applicable to services. Identifies community resources and maintains working relationships with referral agencies. Demonstrates service excellence by following HIPAA guidelines and meeting the Conditions of Participation set forth by the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Serves as a resource to the healthcare team. Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. Demonstrates self-directed learning. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior. Attend team huddles and meetings when working; if unable to attend then review of notes/minutes from meetings is required. Staff are accountable to know the content of discussions.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs other duties as assigned.
Professional Development
All MSWs are expected to engage in professional role activities, including leadership, appropriate to their education and position. MSWs are accountable for their professional actions to themselves, their healthcare consumers, their peers and to society. MSW abides by the NASW code of ethics and is recognized as an expert in professional practice. The Social Work Case Manager is expected to contribute to the professional growth of others by acting as a preceptor, coach, and mentor.
Required Education, Experience and Certification/Licensure
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Current MSW degree required; LMSW preferred. BLS required.
Education: Must be a graduated of a Master of Social Worker program.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years' experience in social work; hospital case management preferred.
Required Skills and Abilities
Clinical and analytical skills are necessary to facilitate collection of patient clinical information from medical records and to objectively apply various criteria as dictated by exterior payers. Strong organization and prioritization skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including telephonic and electronic Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail. Computer Skills:
Degree of Supervision Required: Indirect and periodic supervision. Must be capable of working independently.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.