Social Worker (LSW) - Per Diem - Shift/Days Varies - Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, NJ

About the role

Provides therapeutic intervention and social work services to patients and their families to enhance comprehensive, integrated, and uninterrupted care in the hospital and to ensure continuity of care in the community. The department requires a minimum of three weekend shifts plus holiday coverage.

Responsibilities

• Assess the patient’s psychosocial situation in relation to medical needs and plan appropriate interventions and treatment goals to improve patient/family functioning.
• Interview patients, family members, and/or significant others identified through case finding or referrals to assess needs for social work and/or interventions related to social determinants of health.
• Participate and provide input in multidisciplinary rounds, including psycho/social context.
• Function as a resource and advocate on behalf of the patient and family for discussions involving advanced care planning.
• Provide psychosocial support to patients and families during adjustment to illness and life changes.
• Provide preventive, protective, or supportive services to patients who are in or threatened by situations detrimental to their well-being.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team regarding in-hospital needs and post-hospital care.
• Maintain awareness of available psycho-social services and provide relevant information to patients, families, staff, and community organizations.
• Develop and maintain collegial relationships with community organizations.
• Coordinate and maintain a viable psychosocial discharge planning program to identify patient needs and plan for appropriate after-care services.
• Ensure continuity of care through comprehensive and appropriate discharge planning with patient, family, and/or significant others.
• Support patients across settings including long-term/custodial care, acute rehab, sub-acute rehab/SNF, LTAC, dialysis, hospice, and homelessness solutions and resources.
• Document psychosocial assessments, individual contacts, family interventions, and discharge planning according to department policy and state, federal, and Joint Commission requirements.
• Develop a social service network with city, state, or other governmental services to assist patients in obtaining services such as food stamps, financial supports, and transitional housing.
• Evaluate psycho-social services program objectives and results and participate in program planning and improvement in accordance with the hospital’s mission.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with hospital and departmental policy and professional standards.
• May accompany patients to obtain benefits, entitlements, or other services.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of Social Work (MSW) required.
• Previous medical hospital social work required.
• New Jersey LSW or LCSW required.

Competencies

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of trends and advances in clinical practice and healthcare informatics, including new developments and innovations in hardware and software technology.
• Knowledge of relevant state regulatory standards related to social work.
• Rapid-cycle change or clinical performance improvement expertise.