Job Overview
POSITION SUMMARY: The Social Worker is a licensed professional responsible for providing social services to clients and families of clients of Regional Health Services of Howard County and all its departments. The Social Worker works under the guideline of the Medical Staff and as part of the multi-disciplinary team delivering care to our clients. The Social Worker interviews clients to determine their problems and needs; consults with physicians and other team members; interviews families of clients; contacts agencies regarding aid to clients; and is skilled in assessment and diagnostic procedures/practices, case management, treatment planning, and medical record documentation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DETAILED DUTIES:
- Has ability to function independently under the general guidance of the Medical Staff and the policies and procedures of RHSHC. Utilizes expanded skills of group leading, education, consulting, negotiating, and collaborating in providing care. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and is able to comprehend policies, procedures and guidelines. Maintains current knowledge in social work practice. Reads and discusses published research for application to practice and uses research findings as appropriate. Interacts regularly and positively with the Medical staff. Coordinates work flow with other team members to ensure productive and efficient environment.
- Identifies infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric clients requiring social work intervention. Has ability to see clients in the hospital, nursing home, and home setting.
- Develops and implements a plan responsible to client and family concerns, health care status, available resources, developmentally specific problems, and clinical impressions. On behalf of clients, makes decisions and takes actions that are guided by ethical standards, and delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner. Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering client care. Maintains emotional stability in emergency situations.
- Communicates with client and others regarding roles in client care, makes referrals, including provisions for continuity of care as needed.
- Acts as liaison between families and health care system in times of crisis.
- Addresses client/family understanding of and adjustment to illness to maximize benefits of intervention and enhance client/family functions.
- Completes appropriate records, documents, reports, and documentation on the client’s chart in a timely manner.
- Assists with skilled care patient’s needs, participates in skilled care conferences and provides coverage for skilled care coordinator/admissions intake as needs.
- Evaluates own practice in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations. Seeks constructive feedback regarding own practice, takes action to achieve goals, participates in peer review by providing constructive feedback to others.
- Contributes to professional development of peers, colleagues, and others by sharing knowledge and skills. Provides educational support to volunteers and other staff members. Provides information, consultation, and professional support to interdisciplinary team members. Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a social work curriculum accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Current Social Worker license in the State of Iowa
- Health Care experience preferred.
