Clinical Social Worker-MSW, MICU, 40 Hours (Days)

About the role

Under the clinical supervision of the Department Director and/or Manager (or LCSW/LICSW), utilizes clinical social work techniques and theory to provide consultation, assessment, treatment interventions, and advocacy for a diverse population of patients and their families. Utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to healthcare while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide case management and crisis intervention for a wide range of complex social factors and determinants of health.

Responsibilities

• Completes biopsychosocial assessments and other specialized trauma assessments, utilizing the department’s psychosocial assessment tool as a guideline.
• Provides brief, solution-focused interventions and develops safety plans with patients as needed.
• Provides trauma-informed, strengths-based crisis interventions on behalf of patients and families as needed.
• Develops rapport and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Utilizes social work techniques including motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral treatment to support patients and families.
• Assists patients and families in coping with newly diagnosed and/or chronic illness to achieve improved functioning and emotional state.
• Ensures admitted inpatients and families remain apprised, involved, supported, and treated through prescribed clinical relationships with at least weekly contacts and additional contact whenever a change in care or plan requires it.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively and proactively with multi-disciplinary medical teams and community providers on behalf of patients and families.
• Screens and assesses patients for needs regarding social determinants of health.
• Screens and assesses to identify protective needs relative to child/disabled/elder abuse, intimate partner violence, and community violence.
• Reports any and all suspected cases of abuse and neglect and follows up to ensure timely comprehensive consultations and compliance with legal mandates.
• Provides referrals, counseling, case management, and advocacy relative to health issues: substance misuse, disabilities, mental health concerns, homelessness, and end-of-life needs.
• Provides consultation and referrals to community resources and services including healthcare support, social services, financial assistance, childcare, housing, financial entitlements, clothing, transportation, food pantries, etc.
• Utilizes the electronic health record (EPIC) and other IT interfaces to track and monitor patients.
• 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.
• Complies with departmental, regulatory, and professional requirements for documentation and data collection.
• Submits department statistics and other records and reports within required time frames.
• Maintains patient confidentiality according to hospital policy; practices professional discretion when determining inclusion of patient information in medical or department clinical records.
• Notes in the medical record the exclusion of critical patient information and its availability.
• Documents each patient encounter in the medical record or department clinical record concurrently per department policies, including date, time, title, and signature.
• Participates in social work committees and departmental work groups.
• Provides administrative and special project assistance as required or assigned.
• Promotes a positive, collaborative work environment supportive of the hospital’s mission and goals.
• Follows appropriate policies, procedures, and work standards including hours of work, absenteeism, and tardiness.
• Attends required hospital meetings, training sessions, and activities as assigned.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and in-service education programs with punctuality and consistency.
• Maintains competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality of care.
• Ensures MSW licensure remains active by obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) and remaining in good standing.
• Participates in weekly clinical supervision (all MSW and LCSW full-time social workers).
• Participates in monthly administrative supervision (all full-time social workers).
• Participates in monthly group supervision (all full-time social workers).
• Performs other duties as assigned or necessary.
• Remains flexible and adapts to changing departmental needs, including assisting team members and adjusting assignments.
• Utilizes the hospital’s behavioral standards, guided by the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics, for decision-making and to facilitate the hospital’s goals and mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree (MSW) from an accredited School of Social Work, obtained prior to employment.
• Must sit for the Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification exam within the first 90 days from date of hire.
• Must obtain Massachusetts LCSW certification within 6 months of hire.
• One to two years of on-the-job training in social work process and community resources/agencies related to health, illness, and disability (pre-MSW experience considered).

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of community resources and agencies serving adults, children, and families.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to interact effectively with healthcare professionals and to develop/maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (sense of humor valued).
• Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations; bicultural/bilingual competency a plus.
• Computer literacy with standard word processing, spreadsheet, email (MS Word, Excel, Outlook), and web browsers.

Schedule

40 hours per week, days, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; one weekend per month; one holiday per year.

Pay

Compensation range: $35.33–$43.91 per hour. Base pay is determined comprehensively based on education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. Total compensation includes benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) savings plan with employer match
• Earned time cash out
• Paid time off
• Career advancement opportunities
• Resources to support employee and family wellbeing