Social Worker MSW

Responsibilities

Supports and advances the mission of Mercy Medical Center through the practice of professional social work.

Applies advanced psychosocial theory and methods to individuals of ages as well as couples, families and groups with appropriate regard for the complexity of given problems.

• Provides social work services to patients at any and all points on the continuum of care, from pre-admission to post-discharge follow-up.
• May interact directly with persons in the age categories of neonate, infant, pediatrics, adolescence, adult and geriatric.

Essential Functions

Assessment/Evaluation

• Obtains social history information and identifies patient needs by interviewing the patient/family, reviewing the medical record, conferring with physicians and appropriate medical center staff and contacting other information sources as necessary and appropriate.
• Consistently reflects advanced competency in psychosocial assessment and diagnosis. Assesses problems appropriately in terms of scope, consequences and needed interventions.

Case Plan Development and Implementation

• Develops individualized psychosocial case plans based on assessment and in conjunction with other members of the health care delivery team.
• Implements plan and monitors patient's progress.

Transition Planning

• Arranges for and/or coordinates a broad spectrum of discharge planning services.
• Consults with physicians, medical center staff, patient/family to determine patient's post-hospital needs and plans.
• Provides patient/family with information on options/resources available and strategies for utilizing these resources.
• Aids in all necessary referrals.
• Provides support/encouragement as needed throughout the process.

Crisis Intervention

• Demonstrates ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency tasks and responds accordingly.
• Provides immediate supportive counseling and necessary assistance to patients/families dealing with a crisis or emergency situation.
• Affords referrals to community resources when appropriate.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform in an accurate and precise manner in situations where time is critical.

Counseling/Support Services

• Provides psychosocial counseling/treatment services to restore patients and families to optimum social and physical health adjustment within their capacity.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in social work or related field required.
• Two years experience in medical social work is preferred.
• Demonstrates competence in providing advanced medical social work services including psychosocial counseling with individuals and families.
• Demonstrates skill in conducting clinical interviews.
• Ability to understand medical terminology and communicate effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and ages.
• Knowledgeable regarding clinical interviewing techniques.
• Knowledgeable regarding social work principles, standards and ethics.
• Basic understanding of Medicare and Medicaid regulations and child/dependent adult laws and regulations are desired.

Qualifications

• Valid Iowa driver's license may be required.
• Automobile liability insurance may be required.

Skills

• Advanced psychosocial theory and methods.
• Psychosocial assessment and diagnosis.
• Individualized psychosocial case plans.
• Discharge planning services.
• Crisis intervention.
• Patient/family counseling/treatment services.

Benefits

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.

We are 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.