Medical Social Worker - Acute Rehab Unit - Full Time | University of Southern California (USC) - Military Veterans

POSITION SUMMARY The Social Worker intervenes with patients who have complex psychosocial needs, requires assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources, and qualifies for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. In addition, offers crisis intervention to patients and families with psychosocial needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high risk patient populations. This role will receive referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team members (including physicians, case coordinators, staff nurses, and other members of the care team). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Advocates for patient and family empowerment and independence to make autonomous health care decisions and access needed services within the health care system. Attendance at discharge planning meetings when appropriate. Assists the patient and family in understanding and coping with the psychosocial aspects of illness. Communicates with other medical personnel regarding the patients psychosocial status, needs and progress. Document psychosocial assessment and interventions in the medical chart, including information regarding the discharge plan. Incorporates Performance Improvement findings into clinical practice as indicated through review. Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social and financial consequences of illness and/or disability; accesses and mobilizes family/community resources to meet identified needs. On the basis of preliminary risk screening, assesses patients and familys psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness, and ability to cope. On units designated which includes NICU, coordinates the discharge plan with the patient, family and hospital staff and performs related discharge planning activities. Participates as an active member of the multidisciplinary team. Participates in discharge planning activities for complex patients, in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post discharge care providers. Performs a psychosocial assessment interview with the patient and/or family and documents this information according to department policy and standards. Within the assessment is the demonstration of the ability to identify issues that are specific to age, diagnosis and disability of the patient population served including: Provides counseling and intervention to the patient and/or family based on psychosocial assessment. Provides information community resources, and as indicated, makes referrals to community resources, to best meet the needs of the patient for follow-up care as regards the patients age, diagnosis, and disability. All referrals are to be documented in the medical record with the name of the agency, telephone number and when indicated, the name of the contact person. Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, elderly abuse, institutional abuse, and sexual assault. Provides intervention in child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, guardianship. (temporary/permanent), foster care, adoption, mental health placement, advance directives, adult/elder abuse, child protection, and sexual assault. Recognition of the psychosocial issued from a developmental perspective; developmental tasks; recognition of cultural norms and boundaries; knowledge of spiritual beliefs. Services as a resource person and provides counseling and intervention related to treatment decisions and end-of-life issues. EducationMinimum (Required)Masters degree from an accredited school of social workWork ExperienceMinimum (Required)Ability to work with people of all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds; be flexible, open-minded, and adaptable to change.For positions in the Neonatal area, prior experience and/or specialized training are preferred.Possesses excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families, physicians, and health care team colleagues.Possesses strong analytical and PC skills.Prior experience or supervised fieldwork in a hospital or other setting providing experience substantially related to hospital social work.Strong interview, assessment, organizational, and problem-solving skills..Licenses and CertificationsMinimum (Required)Must successfully complete and maintain BLS certification.Must successfully complete and maintain MAB certification within 6 months of hire.