Clinical Social Worker -LCSW, Per Diem

Utilizing clinical social work techniques and theory, consults on, assesses, and intervenes with high-risk patients and their families regarding the impact/amelioration of emotional and social problems. Duties include conducting psychosocial assessments, making a psychosocial diagnosis, planning and implementing effective treatments, evaluation, education, supervision, coaching, and mentoring of the patient (client) and family members. The position consults with, collaborates, and communicates with a wide range of social, governmental, and legal agencies, courts, schools, clinics, other hospitals, physicians, and other sources in the overall care of the patient.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient and family to ascertain emotional and social problems using the department’s psychosocial assessment tool as a guideline.
• Identifies issues that must be addressed during the patient’s care and formulates a plan.
• Reports suspected cases of abuse and neglect and ensures compliance with legal mandates.
• Identifies the need to involve the patient’s family through the initial assessment process and attempts contact on the same day, if indicated.
• Consults and collaborates with healthcare team members to address the patient’s emotional and social needs.
• Provides psychotherapeutic treatment and/or psychosocial support to reduce the impact of identified problems.
• Ensures the patient and family remain informed, involved, and supported through prescribed clinical relationships, with at least weekly contacts or more if required by changes in care or plan.
• Uses Social Work techniques and theory to assist patients and families in coping with illness or social problems to achieve improved functioning and emotional state.
• Begins assessment for an inpatient within 24 hours of referral and completes within two interviews or seven working days. Begins assessment for an outpatient as soon as the patient permits and completes within two interviews. Completes assessment for an Emergency Department patient within four hours of discharge.
• Maintains patient confidentiality according to hospital policy and practices professional discretion when documenting patient information.
• Documents each patient encounter in the medical record or department clinical record concurrently according to department policies, including date, time, title, and signature.
• Provides clinical supervision to other department personnel, as assigned.
• Complies with departmental, regulatory, and professional requirements for documentation, recording, and data collection.
• Submits department statistics and other records and reports within required time frames.
• Maintains competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality care.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and in-service education programs punctually and consistently.
• Obtains continuing education units necessary to maintain licensure.
• Assists management in operating a quality department by participating in programs and complying with policies and procedures.
• Supports graduate and undergraduate training programs by supervising MSW and BSW students (per assignment).
• Identifies operational weaknesses and recommends improvements.
• Works on department committees as appointed by the Director.
• Represents the department throughout the hospital and external community regarding the department’s practice and field of social work.
• Maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in cleaning and organizing the department and reports malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintains a complete understanding of emergency procedures.
• Conforms to hospital standards of conduct, including patient rights, to provide the best possible customer service and patient care.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present and seeks assistance for specialized needs.
• Performs other duties as needed.
• Utilizes the hospital's behavioral standards for decision-making and to facilitate the hospital’s mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited school of Social Work.
• Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker (or obtained within six months of employment).

Skills

• Knowledge of Social Work processes and community resources related to health, illness, and disability, generally acquired through one to two years of on-the-job training.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies serving children and families.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to interact effectively with healthcare professionals, develop therapeutic relationships, and supervise graduate students.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment; sense of humor is valued.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with diverse racial and ethnic populations; bicultural/bilingual competency is a plus.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in standard word processing, spreadsheet programs, email (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Outlook), and web browsers.

Pay

Compensation range: $34.81 - $43.26 per hour. This range is based on minimum job qualifications. Actual base pay considers education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to the position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pharmacy benefits.
• Contract increases.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 403(b) savings match.
• Earned time cash out.
• Paid time off.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Resources to support employee and family wellbeing.