Social Worker II - Paramedic Mental Health, Full Time Days

Summary

Comprehensively plans for services for a targeted population. Responsible for psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and coordination of referrals and resource information to patients and families in need of assistance. Independently identifies complex patients as well as receives referrals from nursing and other ancillary staff. Provides an array of social work services to patients and families to promote understanding and resolution of problems related to environmental stress, physical illness, interpersonal conflicts, and other psychosocial issues. Adheres to the patient experience initiatives and champions customer service. Works collaboratively to ensure patient needs are met and care delivery is coordinated across the continuum at the appropriate level of care.

Major Job Functions

• Counsels and assesses patients and family members to develop therapeutic relationships and obtain psychosocial and financial information necessary for the facilitation of appropriate discharge planning.

• Conducts proactive screenings and assessments for patients' clinical, psychosocial, and discharge planning needs.

• Documents assessment, the ongoing plan, case progress, intervention(s), and reassesses patients as needed.

• Initiates referrals and recommends consults to enable patients to be prepared for safe and timely discharge or transfer.

• Aids patients and families in coping with hospitalization, disability, and chronic/terminal illness.

• Utilizes communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills with patients, family, healthcare team, and community.

• Provides information, education to patients/families on community resources and options for post-acute care appropriate to the age of the patient served.

• Carries out discharge planning activities to include providing arrangements for Home Health, Hospice, Home Infusion, DME, Outpatient Hemodialysis, Rehab, LTAC, Assisted Living, Rest Home, and Skilled Nursing Facility placements.

• Serves as a resource for processing issues such as guardianship, abuse, neglect, power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, advance directives, or psychiatric involuntary commitment. Initiates/completes forms required for post-acute placement.

• Serves as a reliable resource for the Acute Care Nurse Navigator for difficult placements, information on Medicaid and disability, and Department of Social Service referrals.

• Consults with the Acute Care Nurse Navigator when clinical explanation of disease processes, clarification of physicians' orders, and other pertinent information is needed to determine a safe appropriate discharge plan.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education And Formal Training: Master’s Degree in Social Work required.

• Licensed Social Worker in North Carolina required.

• Professional Certification in Case Management or Social Work (CSW, CCM, or ACM) preferred.

• Work Experience: 1 year experience in Social Services, Home Health, Hospice, or Acute Care setting required.

• Must have behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse experience.

• Must have experience with children/youth.

• Paramedic experience is highly preferred.

• Acute Care Case Management experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Flexible with scheduled hours to meet the needs of the department, unit, patient, and family.

• Work is not standardized and requires a high degree of prioritization skills.

• Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and work with people of all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

• Proven written, telephonic, and electronic communication skills.

• Assertive and persuasive in interactions with customers, peers, management, and core staff served.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Proficiency with various computer programs including Microsoft Office, Midas, ProviderLink, ValleyLink, eHIM, and SMS.

• Ability to demonstrate respect and team building.

• Flexible, open-minded, and adaptable to change.

• Ability to work collaboratively with department staff, physicians, and healthcare professionals at all levels to achieve established goals, improve quality of outcomes, maintain or exceed Joint Commission standards and State mandates as they apply to the department operations.

Physical Requirements

• Light carrying and lifting may be required.

• Walking may be required to access all areas of the Medical Center.

Required Licenses And Certifications

• CSW - NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.