Clinical Social Worker ER at BEACON HEALTH SYSTEM in Granger, Indiana

Job Description:

Reports to the Manager, Social Services and the Director, Care Coordination. Works primarily in the Emergency Department, but will also provide coverage on Patient Care Units as needed. Provides emergency psychiatric screening assessments, crisis intervention, linkage to community resources and short-term therapeutic counseling to patients and families. Uses assessment tools and provides appropriate intervention(s) in order to provide and facilitate a plan to next level of care.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.

• Completing emergency psychiatric screenings and assessments for admission to inpatient or outpatient psychiatric follow up.


• Facilitating communication with physicians and other referral sources by obtaining appropriate releases of information.


• Initiating Emergency Detention Orders as indicated.


• Coordinating transfers to Epworth based on admission protocol.

• Prioritizing referrals received from a variety of multi-disciplinary healthcare team members and taking appropriate actions based upon current workload.


• Initiating screening per Social Services protocol to identify potential needs for social work case coordination (i.e., transfer from another institution, age, diagnosis with potential for re-admissions or complex discharge planning needs).


• Working with community resources and agencies to facilitate a safe discharge plan.


• Facilitating emergency Extended Care Facility placement/admissions, or transfers to other hospitals including Epworth Center.


• Collaborating with appropriate medical, nursing and multi-disciplinary staff.


• Developing and coordinating a treatment plan based on consultation with the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, professional knowledge of treatment modalities, available resources, medical data and psycho-social information.


• 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.


• Providing emotional support, bereavement, grief counseling, and resources for ongoing support services to families.


• Acting as an educational resource to staff and physicians to facilitate appropriate community referrals 24 hours a day.

• Updating the designated inpatient Social Worker about patients admitted from ER and those who have potential social/financial discharge barriers.


• Assisting patients/families in understanding the psycho-social implications of diagnosis and complexities of the medical situation.


• Participating in and/or facilitating meetings with other members of the healthcare team in order to present case summaries and assist in recommending, developing and/or coordinating an adequate treatment program for the patient.


• Providing support to patients and families by frequent status updates, initiating appropriate contacts in a timely manner.


• Acting as an advocate for patient/family.

• Reviewing a patient's medical record and history of prior visits to obtain pertinent data necessary for evaluation of the patient's ongoing healthcare needs.


• Working with patient and family to provide necessary education and facilitation of linkages with community services and financial resources to address the patient's needs and/or problems.


• Assisting w/ linkage to health clinics, health professionals, and other resources to establish a medical home.


• Utilizing interdisciplinary care conferences as a mechanism to plan intervention for complex patients frequently seen in Emergency Department.


• Tracking, documenting, and identifying reasons for re-admissions to Emergency Department.


• Performing follow up phone calls / outreach with patients identified as needing follow- up with the care plan.

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


• Maintaining effective working relationships with community agencies, facilities, and resources.


• Participating in Hospital activities and committees when appropriate.


• 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 Education and Experience
  • The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), including knowledge of current trends, developments and treatment modalities for patients with psychiatric and/or psychological disorders. A minimum of two years of professional experience performing essential hospital or healthcare social services functions preferred. Prior discharge planning or case management experience also preferred. Licensure or eligibility for licensure in the State of Indiana as a licensed social worker or licensed clinical social worker is required; or must obtain license within three years of employment.
  
  Knowledge & Skills
  
  
  
  • Requires clinical assessment skills and the knowledge necessary to provide self-directed social services, including short term therapeutic individual/ family counseling and crisis intervention.
  
  
  • Requires a thorough knowledge of community agencies, services, entitlement programs, and Federal/State insurance programs.
  
  
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-specific care appropriate to the patients served.
  
  
  • Demonstrates ability to use professional judgment and initiative to prioritize interventions.
  
  
  • Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, team members and community contacts.
  
  
  • Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and related applications); also requires the ability to access information on the Internet.
  
  
  
  Working Conditions
  
  
  
  • Works in a fast paced patient care environment with rapidly shifting priorities and crisis situations.
  
  
  • Has frequent contact with patients and family members in crisis who may be experiencing distress.
  
  
  • May be exposed to bio-hazards.
  
  
  • Able to adjust work hours when needed.
  
  
  
  Physical Demands
  
  • Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to stand/walk for prolonged periods of time, push wheelchairs/carts, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position