Social Services Specialist-BHU

Work Status Details Full Time | 80.00 Hours Every Two Weeks

Exempt from Overtime Non-Exempt Shift Details 8a-5p Department: Behavioral Health Unit | Reports To: Director-Behavioral Health

The mission of Faith Regional Health Services is to serve Christ by providing all people with exemplary medical services in an environment of love and care.

Summary

The Social Services Specialist is responsible for working with the interdisciplinary team to affect overall care coordination. The emphasis will be on completion of psychosocial assessment and intervention, discharge planning, knowledge of community resources, appropriate documentation in the medical record, and networking with other hospital disciplines and community agencies. These job duties will be conducted throughout the patient care areas of the hospital to include the Medical Floors and Behavioral Health Unit.

The Social Services Specialist assists the patient family/guardian and all members of the healthcare team in the discharge planning process. This individual will demonstrate positive communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and coworkers. The Social Services Specialist must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate patient care and is accountable to the policies and procedures of the organization.

The Social Services Specialist is expected to adhere to the hospital and social work codes of ethics. The listing of job duties contained in this job description is not all inclusive. Duties may be added or subtracted at any time due to the needs of the organization.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates ability to appropriately modify approach and procedures to meet needs of a diverse population served for the following age groups: • Neonate (birth - 28 days) • Infant (29 days - less than 1 year) • Pediatric (1 year - 12 years) • Adolescent (12 years - 18 years) • Adult (18 years - 65 years) • Geriatric (over 65 years)

Incorporates cultural considerations in the provisions of care. Knowledge of growth and developmental stages. Considers life changes that affect health beliefs and behaviors. Provides necessary safety measures. Provides information and involves family/caregiver in decision making.

2. Performs all responsibilities and duties required by the Medical Floors Emergency Department & Behavioral Health Unit as defined in the scope of practice to assure that the unique nature of the patient is addressed. This includes but is not limited to the age of the patient served. Responsible to complete and document psychosocial assessments on assigned patients. Interviews patients and/or family members and others identified to obtain collateral information that is pertinent to identification of precipitating event and degree of disruption the patient is experiencing. Participation in daily treatment team meetings for each patient and works cooperatively as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Participation in daily interdisciplinary rounds related to behavioral health needs on the medical floors. Intake coordination duties as scheduled. Completion of documentation to include psychosocial assessment, patient-specific treatment plan, progress notes, obtained collateral information, and discharge planning documentation timely.

Communicates with the patient/family and healthcare team to assess and identify individual discharge needs and desires. Assists the patient in investigating eligibility and applying for Medicaid or SSI by referring to the financial counselor as appropriate. Utilize community resources and refer the patient/family to appropriate agencies and services as necessary. Communicate information based on interaction with patient/family and keeps appropriate people aware of pertinent changes or problems in a patients condition as observed.

Demonstrates ability to prioritize workload in accordance with patient needs and in accordance with departmental goals and objectives. Research resources available to meet the social, economic, and emotional needs of the patient. Maintains knowledge of community resources and keeps a referral directory with updated information of available services and contact information.

Applies advanced problem-solving techniques in planning, assessing, implementing, and evaluation of patient discharge needs. Works collaboratively with the Region personnel to identify patient needs through alternative payment sources and Region-funded systems. Demonstrates flexibility as patient needs and census changes. Coordinates and implements discharge planning activities for assigned patients in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge services.

Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments, stakeholders in the community, and the Region. Facilitates communication with county attorneys and mental health boards regarding emergency holds and mental health board committed patients. Documents inquiry calls and related information on Intake Call form and/or enters data into the computer system.

Hours will be dependent on patient census and workload. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule to include after-hours and weekends as necessary.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Requirements

The requirements listed below must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Education

• Bachelors Degree preferred.
• Education Field of Study: Mental Health-related field preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention program obtained within six full months from date of hire.
• Travelers-required upon hire.

Previous Experience Requirements

• Combination of 6 years of education and experience in position field required.
• Previous clinical experience preferred.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language required.

Faith Regional Health Services is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.