Social Worker at BEACON HEALTH SYSTEM in Bremen, Indiana

Job Description:

Reports to the Director of Operations. Provides short-term intervention for discharge planning services and psycho-social support. Uses assessment tools to identify post hospital needs for continuity of care and to ensure a safe discharge plan. Knowledgeable of community resources and programs which assist patients with psycho-social, financial and legal needs.MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

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  MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.


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  VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.


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  SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

• Initiating screening of patients based on Social Service protocol.


• Reviewing patients' medical record to obtain and prioritize pertinent data necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's ongoing needs.


• Interviewing the patient and/or family in order to obtain pertinent medical, financial, social and/or psychological data needed to assess patient status and potential needs.


• Collaborating with appropriate medical, nursing and multi-disciplinary staff to ensure coordination of care within the healthcare team.


• Developing a discharge plan based on consultation with physician(s), the multi-disciplinary healthcare team and in consideration of patient's insurance provider and benefits.


• Involving the patient and family in care planning and treatment decisions.


• Consistently documenting assessments, interventions and outcomes in order to maintain appropriate case records and statistics in accordance with the hospital's requirements and outside agency standards.


• Prioritizing referrals in relationship to workload received from a variety of healthcare team members.

• Referring patients and families to community agencies, resources and other providers appropriate to the patient's specific needs.


• Acting as an advocate for patients.


• Collaborating with Utilization Review and other departments (Eligibility Specialists, Financial Counselors) to share accurate and timely information about the patient's status.


• Assisting with identification of patients/families who may qualify for federal, state or local programs.


• Consults with Manager/Director regarding barriers to discharge.

• Providing consultation and education to agencies and groups when requested.


• Developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community providers and agencies.

• Participating in hospital activities and committees when appropriate.


• Serving as a resource to the hospital and the community in area(s) of expertise.


• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.


• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.


• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.


• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.


• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.


• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.


• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.


• Complies with established organization and department policies.


• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.


• Cultivate human talent.


• Embrace performance improvement.


• Build greatness through accountability.


• Use information to improve and advance.


• Communicate clearly and continuously.

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's (BSW) or Master's (MSW) of Social Work. A minimum of three to five years of job-related experience is preferred. Candidates are required to have a license or must obtain a license within 3 years of employment.

• Requires assessment and problem solving skills. Also has general understanding of medical conditions.


• Requires a thorough knowledge of community agencies, services, entitlement programs and financial resources available on a federal, state and local level to assist patients and families in Indiana and other states.


• Requires knowledge of state and local adult and child protective legal mandates.


• Requires knowledge of the discharge planning process and understanding of home care, extended care, long term acute care, and other services to ensure a safe transition to another level of care.


• The ability to work with acutely ill patients and comfortable with end of life care.


• Demonstrates the ability to maintain professional composure under pressure.


• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-specific care appropriate to the patients served. Also understands and respects cultural, ethnic, religious, and economic differences among patients.


• Demonstrates ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships and the ability to be empathic and abide by mutual respect policy.


• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry and word processing) and related applications; requires ability to access information on the Internet.


• Demonstrates the ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude.


• Demonstrates and maintains ethical conduct and professional judgment, take initiative




• and exercise discretion. Also requires a solid understanding of the hospital's policies/practices related to patient confidentiality.

• Works in a high-stress office and patient care environment with rapidly-shifting priorities and competing demands. Also has some contact with patients and family members who are experiencing stressful situations.


• May be exposed to bio-hazards.


• Ability to work flexible hours.

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.