SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST (30 HRS/WK DAYS)

Overview

The Social Service Specialist at Riverside Healthcare provides comprehensive psychosocial support to patients and their families. This role involves assessing patients' emotional, social, and practical needs and connecting them with resources that enhance their quality of life during their treatment and intervention. The Social Service Specialist is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, offering counseling, advocacy, and coordination of care to help patients navigate the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.

Schedule

• 0.75 FTE | 30 hours per week
• Days | 8:00am to 4:30pm

Essential Duties

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of patients and their families to identify emotional, social, and practical needs.
• Provide individual and group counseling to patients and families, addressing issues such as coping with their diagnosis, treatment-related stress, and end-of-life planning.
• Connect patients and families with community resources, support groups, financial assistance programs, and other services that can help alleviate the burden of their treatment.
• Identify and address patients social determinants of health needs by coordinating timely interventions, referrals, and community-based resources to support health outcomes and reduce barriers to care.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans that address the psychosocial aspects of patient care.
• Advocate for patients' rights and needs within the healthcare system, ensuring that they have access to the services and support they require.
• Provide crisis intervention services to patients and families facing acute emotional distress or emergencies related to their diagnosis.
• Educate patients, families, and staff on psychosocial issues related to their illnesses, including coping strategies, stress management, and the importance of mental health during treatment.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all patient interactions, assessments, and care plans in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• Adhere to AIDET format and standards. Acknowledge and greet all customers timely with a professional and friendly demeanor.

Non-Essential Duties

• Assist in the development and implementation of psychosocial support programs and initiatives within the Population Health Program.
• Provide training and support to healthcare staff on the psychosocial aspects of their care and the role of social work in population health.
• Participate in community outreach activities to raise awareness about the psychosocial impact of their illnesses and available support services.

Required Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in a social services role, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Experience with patient advocacy, resource coordination, and crisis intervention is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Strong understanding of social services, community resources, and healthcare systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients and families.
• Ability to assess and address complex social and emotional issues effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic health record systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Required Licensure/Education

• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field is required.
• Current and valid social work license (e.g., LSW, LCSW) is required.

Preferred Education

• A Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) is preferred.
• Certification in social work or related fields is a plus.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements

• Exposure To Chemicals: NA
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Minimal exposure - to follow universal precautions.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Potential risk for exposure, however, the degree of exposure is to be determined on an individual basis.
• Sensory Requirements (speech, Vision, Smell, Hearing, Touch):
  • Speech: Needed for communicating, interviewing and counseling patients, families, staff and community agencies.
  • Vision: Needed to read memos and literature, and for interviewing and counseling.
  • Smell: NA
  • Hearing: Needed for communicating, interviewing, and counseling.
  • Touch: Needed for documentation.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

• Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
  • Sit: 70%
  • Stand: 10%
  • Walk: 30%
  • Twist: 3%
  • Crawl: 0%
  • Kneel: 1%
  • Lift: 1%
  • Drive: 0%
  • Squat: 1%
  • Climb: 0%
  • Bend: 1%
  • Reach above shoulders: 1%
• The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
  • Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
  • Up to 20 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
  • Over 100 lbs: Not Required
• Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): May occasionally carry books, charts, or printed material to specified locations for program set up.
• Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:
  • Sit: 378
  • Stand: 54
  • Walk: 162
  • Twist: 0
  • Crawl: 0
  • Kneel: 5.4
  • Lift: 5.4
  • Drive: 0
  • Squat: 5.4
  • Climb: 0
  • Bend: 5.4
  • Reach above shoulders: 5.4
• Repetitive Use Of Hands (Frequency Indicated):
  • Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight occasional
  • Pushing & pulling Normal weight occasional
  • Fine Manipulation: Writing, use of computer keyboard, telephone use, push patient in wheelchair.
  • Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
  • Inside hours: 8
  • Outside hours: 0
  • Temperature: Normal Range
  • Lighting: Average
  • Noise levels: Average
  • Humidity: Normal Range
  • Atmosphere:
  • Special Hazards: NA
• Protective Clothing Required: None

Pay

USD $31.40 - USD $41.21 /Hr