JOB SUMMARY

The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients related to the patient’s illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse.
• Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.     
• Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling.   
• Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.    
• Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care.
• Assists physician and other teams members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems.       
• Prepares clinical notes on all patients referred to social work. 
• Provides information and referral services for Organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides education to patients or families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Serves as liaison between patients or families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with Organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and organization personnel.
• Participates in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences as required.
• Participates in discharge planning.
• Participating in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training.
• Other duties as delegated by the Director of Nursing /Supervisor.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job.  The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)  

• A graduate of a bachelor's program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3)
• Minimum of one year's social work experience in health care setting. 
• Experience in a home health care preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job. 
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.