JOB SUMMARY:

The GeroPsych Social worker provides general casework services to assigned patients and their families. They are to help people with mental impairments realize their full potential. To deliver and manage excellent services and systems of care for persons with serious mental illness. 

MISSION, VALUES AND BELIEFS

•   Demonstrates the AHMC Seton mission, purpose, values and beliefs in everyday language and contact with patients, the public and other staff members.2

QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF WORK

•   Provides safe, effective and efficient implementation of direct care in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care.

•   Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients and their families.

•   Attends and participates in primary therapy, community meetings, family therapy, and groups.

•   Assumes overall responsibility for discharge planning, including:

     1.     Assessing the patient’s readiness for discharge in coordination with the Treatment Team.

     2.     Making appropriate referrals for placement, case management and aftercare services, as assigned.

     3.     Developing and maintaining an awareness of community resources.

•   Provides consultation to patients and their families regarding issues arising from the admission, discharge and/or aftercare plan.

•   Provide direct treatment for assigned patients and families.3

TEAM MEMBER PARTICIPATION

•   Participates as a team member and provides input via reporting observations, concerns and asking appropriate questions.

•   Reviews and implements patient treatment plans.

•   Actively facilitates and participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment planning meetings.

•   Demonstrates knowledge of management of assaultive behavior techniques.

•   Provides leadership in facilitating the team process.

•   Provides education/training to other team members as necessary.4

ASSESSMENT

•   Observes, records and reports patient social and psychiatric behavior.

•   Completes the Psychosocial Assessment for assigned patients. This includes obtaining necessary data regarding the patient’s social and psychological history.5

JUDGEMENT, DECISION MAKING AND INITIATIVE

•   Demonstrates knowledge and proper use of equipment and supplies.

•   Promotes and assists residents in developing self-help skills.6

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

•   Demonstrates a good rapport and cooperative working relationships with all members of the team; responds to co-workers with concern and promotes group morale.7

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

•   Continually focuses on assigned tasks and seeks and implements improvements as necessary.

•   Understands and demonstrates the safety program in all activities.

•   Protects residents from behavior that could damage themselves or others.

•   Practices universal precautions at all times

PLANNING AND TIME UTILIZATION

•   Completes and follows through with tasks and assignments, meeting expected deadlines.9

ATTENDANCE AND RELIABILITY

•   Understands and demonstrates knowledge of all policies associated with attendance.10

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

•   Attends all assigned in-service education classes.

•   Role models excellent professional practice.

•   Always dresses appropriately and professionally.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES & KNOWLEDGE:

Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
A thorough understanding of client rights, an understanding of the commitment process and knowledge of basic medical and psychiatric terminology
Familiarity with behavioral health resources in the community is desired
Normal or corrected near and far vision, in addition to non-inhibiting color vision.
May read constantly for short durations throughout the day
Constant talking and hearing throughout the workday
Must be alert to patient condition and environmental situations
Able to understand and follow all policies, procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations of Nursing Service, Seton Medical Center and Seton Medical Center - Coastside 

EDUCATION:                                       

Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school of Social Work

EXPERIENCE:

One year of direct service experience with mentally ill individuals in an inpatient or outpatient setting is required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE

A license in California as a Clinical Social Worker is required
Current American Heart Association BLS certification required