Manager, Social Work

About the Role

Lowell General Hospital is seeking a full-time Manager of Social Work to join our Continuity of Care department. This role is an opportunity for a dynamic LICSW leader to provide clinical oversight of all social workers, manage all units at both campuses of Lowell General Hospital, and work closely with the Director of Continuity of Care. The position focuses on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients, providing social work assistance, and coordinating with community resources.

Responsibilities

• Determine social work staffing assignments for both Main and Saints campuses.
• Supervise the inpatient social work team (8-10 social workers).
• Provide support and guidance with complex cases.
• Address performance concerns of the inpatient social work team.
• Serve as the hospital point person for government agencies such as Lowell District Court, DCF, and Elder Services.
• Maintain social work productivity data and statistics.
• Provide individual, clinical supervision for all LICSWs.
• Attend organizational and departmental leadership meetings.
• Participate in a telephonic on-call weekend and holiday rotation.
• Participate in community task forces and meetings.
• Serve as a liaison for collaborative relationships with community agencies and partners, including Primary Care and Women's Health Providers, Urgent Care, Lowell Community Health Clinic, Anne Sullivan EI, Southbay EI, Community Teamwork Inc., Lowell District Court, Lowell Transitional Living Center, DCF Lowell, WISH Project, Vinfen, local substance use disorder treatment agencies, and other local social service agencies.
• Supervise day-to-day activities of social work staff, manage the performance appraisal process, provide direction, and mentor staff.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage, screen and interview candidates.
• Ensure implementation of all department policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain a community services resource manual in both written and electronic formats.
• Establish communication with post-acute facilities to document admission criteria in the community services resource manual.
• Maintain relationships with post-acute providers and participate in community activities and education.
• Establish communication with community agencies, including transportation providers, to clarify and document referral requirements.
• Collaborate with the director to develop, implement, and evaluate the measuring and monitoring plan.
• Participate in the development of performance improvement initiatives based on tracking and trending measures.
• Conform to hospital standards of performance and conduct to provide the best possible customer service and patient care.
• Utilize the hospital’s values as the basis for decision-making to facilitate the division’s mission.
• Follow established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Formalize an Incident Debriefing response program.
• Coordinate a Master’s of Social Work student intern program.
• Create a Social Work In-Service and Training Committee, including CEU programs and leadership roles in advancing social work practice groups.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• Licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) required.
• Seven (7) years of post-Master’s degree social work experience.
• Prior proven experience and expertise in acute care hospital patient population (minimum 5 years) and/or prior proven experience and expertise in management, either in first-line or shift supervisory work.

Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written skills for high-level communication within the hospital and at interdisciplinary and administrative meetings.
• Experience developing written proposals, evaluations, standards, and Performance Improvement (PI) reports.
• Knowledge of casework process and community resources in relation to health (including mental health), illness, and disability.
• Understanding of current social work theory and practice, and the ability to apply treatment and case management methods.
• Familiarity with community issues and resources.
• Understanding of organizational theory and practice in large systems and knowledge of social and healthcare policies and systems.
• High degree of diagnostic, treatment, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Analytical skills required for assessing patient needs, developing treatment modalities, and providing effective counseling.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals and develop/maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent English language skills, with the ability to summarize and communicate moderately complex information both orally and in writing to internal and external parties.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations.
• Computer literacy with the ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet programs, email (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Outlook), and web browsers.

Physical Requirements

Normal office environment.

About Lowell General

For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet®-recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you’ll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.

About Tufts Medicine

Tufts Medicine is a healthcare system that empowers people to live their best lives by reimagining healthcare, advancing knowledge, and pioneering discovery. Every team member plays an integral role in realizing our vision of creating the most equitable and frictionless healthcare experience in the world. Here, you’ll join an enthusiastic community that champions your growth and receive generous benefits to support you and your family’s well-being.

Pay

Pay Range: $111,175.79 - $141,756.53