The Clinical Social Worker will serve as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary Addictions Consult Team (ACT) to collaborate with medical staff around management of patients with substance use disorders (SUD) in the medical and surgical inpatient setting. This position will function as a SUD counselor with expertise in assessment, motivational intervention, psychoeducation, treatment and disposition planning, and case management/monitoring of patients with SUD and their families. The incumbent will provide clinical services to patients/families that address psychosocial, environmental, age specific and cultural issues in order to maximize emotional, social and physical well being and the effective use of health care and community resources. This is a part-time position with the regular opportunity to work additional shifts beyond regularly scheduled hours.
Addiction Consult Team
Screening and Assessment
Conduct SUD bio-psychosocial assessment and diagnosis, including SUD and psychiatric treatment history, and current use, primarily for medical and surgical inpatients referred to the Addiction Consult Service. Identify patient needs for care while hospitalized and in terms of aftercare, including stage of change and readiness
Identify high risk bio-psychosocial and patient/family factors that impact treatment and discharge planning
Coordination, and Communication
Provide on-going patient contact as needed to facilitate placement to next level of care
Communicate with inpatient interdisciplinary teams, ACT, and primary care physician, as needed to coordinate care
Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate SUD treatment programs, identify contact persons in treatment referral sites, coordinate as needed
Work with family systems when appropriate and possible to involve family in recovery process and make referrals for family care after hospitalization
Participate in team meetings, rounds, case conferences, as appropriate to provide education and consultation and to exchange information to improve patient care
Act as a liaison to hospital based inpatient social workers and case managers for inpatient management of patients with SUD
Ensure accurate documentation, conforming with all state and federal regulations
Counseling
Provide psycho-education, motivational intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to address immediate needs while hospitalized
Develop familiarity with self-help groups (AA, Smart Recovery, Al-Anon, etc.)
Discharge Planning and Implementation
Identify resources for referral, facilitate placement to inpatient and outpatient SUD services and self-help groups
Lead discharge planning efforts to SUD aftercare services; collaborate with case management on discharge to medical facilities; communicate with MGH Transitional Addictions clinic, Community Health Center, or PCP
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Skills/Abilities/Competencies
Knowledge, skills and ability to assess patient/family needs for services and develop treatment plans
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients/families and staff
Ability to advocate/negotiate systems for/with patients
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Skills in supportive counseling and care coordination
Qualifications
MSW degree required
Massachusetts license (LICSW or LCSW) required
Experience working with people with SUD and their families
Strong assessment and treatment skills
Knowledge of community services and resources
Excellent organizational skills
Strong collaborative, customer service and advocacy skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective team collaboration
Demonstrated ability to understand the role of social worker in a hospital setting and to work independently in a complex, fast-paced environment
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.