Social Worker
Responsible for providing social service and discharge planning functions for the hospital. Provides resources for inpatients, outpatients, Emergency Department patients and support to the skilled unit designee when resources are unavailable Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: - As SVH team members, we hold each other and ourselves accountable to our Standards of Excellence in everything we do. - Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. - Ability to communicate with physician regarding social service and discharge planning needs of the patient. Assists the physician to facilitate post-hospital care. - Maintains current knowledge of resources available within the community, maintains supply of resource materials to be distributed to patients when needed. - Is able to obtain other resources as needed. - Communicates with family members and caretakers regarding the needs of the patient and anticipated plans. - Collaborates with Utilization Management Coordinator and other members of the healthcare team to provide for psychosocial assistance or optimum post-discharge services. - Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patient and family. - Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. - Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care. - Acts on performance improvement issues identified during CQI meetings or by the LCSW consultant. - Actively participates in Utilization Management Committee, CQI, varying team meetings and other meetings, as appropriate. - Maintains and respects confidentiality of patient/physician/personnel information. - Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. - Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments. - Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate on patient care and performance improvement activities. - Accurately determines type of assistance/setting/resources necessary for the patient/family and provides appropriate resources/assistance/list of facilities. - Documentation meets current standards and policies. - Provides support with advance directives and assists patient/family with the grieving process; makes referrals to Pastoral Care, as appropriate. - Collaborates with the Business Office Manager and onsite eligibility worker, where patients require such assistance or in the case of transfers to the county hospital.