Social Worker

Social Worker Role

The Social Worker is responsible for providing basic evaluative, preventive, therapeutic, restorative, and personal care services to meet the psychosocial needs of Mercy patients and their families. The goal is to enable patients to better utilize medical care resources and achieve their optimal level of health. This role applies fundamental psychosocial theories and methods to individuals, couples, families, and groups, addressing the complexity of each situation. The Social Worker will provide services across the continuum of care, from pre-admission to post-discharge follow-up, interacting with individuals of various ages and diverse backgrounds.

Essential Functions

• Obtain social history information and identify patient needs through interviews with the patient and family, reviewing medical records, consulting with physicians and medical staff, and contacting other relevant sources as needed.
• Analyze and evaluate the patient’s psychosocial situation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the patient's needs.
• Develop individualized psychosocial case plans based on the assessment, in collaboration with the healthcare team. Implement the plan and monitor the patient’s progress.
• Care for patients and families in crisis situations, providing immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance.
• Provide psychosocial counseling and treatment services aimed at restoring optimal social and physical health adjustments for patients and families, within their capacity.
• Screen patients for financial assistance and help clarify insurance benefits. Support patients and families in coping with economic stresses related to illness or injury.
• Provide clinical social work consultation to physicians and professional staff through patient evaluations, case conferences, in-service programs, and educational presentations.
• Maintain relationships with community health and social service agencies, establishing effective professional connections through personal/telephone contact and correspondence.
• Document all social work activity in the patient's medical record. Maintain records and reports in a timely, accurate, and qualitative manner.
• Recognize the role of the social worker in the department and its relationship to the overall function of the hospital in patient care.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (required).
• Medical Knowledge: Understanding of medical terminology.
• Clinical Skills: Proficient in clinical interviewing techniques.
• Social Work Knowledge: Familiarity with social work principles, standards, and ethics.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Basic understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as child/dependent adult laws and regulations (desired).
• Training: Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to the population served, within three (3) months of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

About MercyOne

MercyOne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.