Job Summary:

The Medical Social Worker will coordinate and provide social services for patients of all ages in their homes.The services will be provided in accordance with the philosophy, mission, standards, policies, and procedures of the home health service and as ordered by the physician.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May supervise social work students.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains the social service program, drafting supporting policies, procedures, and guidelines for the program. Develops and maintains a thorough knowledge of referral resources throughout the service area.
• Makes home visits to assess patients psychosocial status.Communicates with physicians to report patient progress, needs, concerns, and potential and actual problems. Maintains accurate and timely records including clinical and progress notes according to department policy.
• Works closely with members of the health care team in the development of the plan of treatment, including discharge plans, based on the psychosocial assessment and accepted social work interventions.
• Develops working relationship with leaders in community resource groups, representing the agency at meetings and on various committees that address the social needs of patients such as Council on Aging, Developmental Services, etc.
• Acts as resource person for other members of the health care team, providing in-service education and consultation in understanding the social and emotional factors related to health problems.
• Maintains knowledge of the field including Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party reimbursement sources.
• Participates in planning and implementing quality improvement activities.
• Provides positive customer relations in dealing with patients, families, physicians, fellow department employees, other hospital departments, referral resources, service agencies, and others.
• Adheres to department/hospital policies.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Good interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• Masters degree in social work.
• At least one year of social work experience in a health care setting with home care experience preferred.
• Valid drivers license and own transportation to make home visits.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and standing, bending and moving.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• The ability to complete assignments in all types of weather and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in patient homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to patients with infectious diseases.