Social Worker

In collaboration with nurses in the Case Management and Inpatient Psych departments, provide patient/family interventions to support clinical, financial, satisfaction and compliance outcomes. Pace cases from a psychosocial-economic perspective by assisting patients and families in adjustment to episodes of acute and chronic illness; in coping with lifestyle changes precipitated by illness or disability; in participating in restorative health programs; in carrying out discharge recommendations; and in addressing issues of terminality. Use a variety of modalities to assist patients and families in the alleviation or resolution of social, financial and emotional problems related to illness, health care and rehabilitation. Assess psychosocial support for inpatient behavioral health patients and determine discharge plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform assessment of patients/families; evaluate patient and family information; select appropriate social work methods; develop, implement and evaluate a plan in conjunction with the Case Manager and the multidisciplinary team.
• Serve as the lead in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.
• Participate in and provide pertinent information in "length of stay" meetings, discharge planning rounds, unit daily report, clinical practice team and department meetings.
• Initiate patient/family and provider meetings to develop and plan strategies related to psychosocial and economic issues, particularly those related to care progression and transition. Act as liaison between patient/families and all providers of care within and external to the organization on social issues.
• Support the placement of patients into long term care facilities. Review financial resources for long term placement and provide education to the patient/family.
• Provide support and counseling to patients/families experiencing and/or anticipating issues to adjusting to illness, catastrophic diagnoses, changes in living situations and bereavement. Establish plans. Document interventions and outcomes.
• Assist in resolving issues in the patient's environment that interfere with obtaining the maximum benefits from health care.
• Consult, assess, refer and/or coordinate interventions in cases of suspected or actual situations of child or adult abuse and neglect or other forms of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.
• Act as lead in obtaining legal guardianship, competency determinations, and in adoption related situations. Complete and disseminate all necessary legal and clinical documentation as required.
• Conduct support groups for targeted populations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in Social Work preferred or Masters degree in Counseling.
• Minimum of 2 years post master's experience in a medical setting.
• State of CT, LCSW preferred
• Excellent communication, negotiation and critical thinking skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.
• Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.
• Working knowledge of healthcare reimbursement.
• Ability to work in a time oriented environment including exposure to all patient elements, i.e., blood borne pathogens.