Responsibilities

Performance Standard

Initiates case finding and provides direct social work services and counseling to patient and their families. Also be available to staff as needed.

1. Determine the need and initiate the clinical social work process to assist the patient with those problems related to external stress that interfere with the acceptance of medical care by assisting the patient and family to utilize coping and problem solving skills and to mobilize resources available to them.
2. Provides services in a professional and ethical manner.
3. Maintains confidentiality at all times.

To provide psychosocial assessment and diagnostic impression on all parties seen and maintains ongoing intervention as needed.

1. Documentation of initial psychosocial assessment will be on the chart same day of visit plan for social work intervention.
2. Additional documentation to be done on day of intervention:

1. ED & Acute- Document in progress notes.
2. Pediatric Sub-Acute: Psychosocial Assessment for on day 7 and Social

                       Service progress notes

1. Minimum of 1 x weekly documentation for long term patients.

1. Acute: may terminate services prior to discharge.
2. Peds Sub-Acute: Till date of discharge.

To consult with physicians and healthcare personnel about patients and/or family situations which directly impact patient’s illness/hospitalization.

1. Update medical staff and health care team members regarding psychosocial information and planned interventions that will assist in effectively working with the patient and /or family.
2. This can be done through verbal contacts or written chart notation.

To maintain the continuity of care.

a. To provide information and referrals to community resources as requested by patient, health care team members or community caller.

To assist in the provision of social work to Emergency Department

1. To provide clinical social work services within 1 hour to the Emergency Department when called during normal working hours.
2. Services include crisis intervention counseling, community referrals, bereavement.

To participates in patient/family team conferences. Rounds and meetings.

1. On acute care, when requested by physician or family to coordinate and participate in patient/family conference in which patient’s goals and prognosis may be discussed.
2. Per protocol for peds sub acute.

To maintain close working relationship with all appropriate community agencies.

1. On a regular ongoing timely basis.
2. Assists with maintaining updated community resource files.

To participate in hospital in- service or community programs regarding the social and emotional components of illness and their effects on patients/families

1. Participation in two education/in-service programs a year that expands knowledge base for patient population working with.
2. Develop and present in-services to the department and nursing staff.

Perform basic management tasks related to job (ie: time planning, recording, reports, statistics, and other routines as required.)

1. To maintain accurate daily/weekly/monthly records of services provided and of supportive activities or as directed by supervisor.

To attend mandated departmental and hospital meeting and/or work groups.

1. When appropriate to service, and/or assigned by director.

To recognize and report all types of abuse, child, elder, domestic violence as mandated by law.

1. Evaluate and report as appropriate abuse cases.
2. Provide emotional support to victim and family as needed.
3. Assist other staff in reporting cases of abuse.

To be knowledgeable about advance directive for healthcare.

1. To assist patient/family in their understanding of Advance Directives.
2. Assist with appropriate paperwork as needed.
3. Assist healthcare team members in understanding and respecting an individual’s choice in regards to advance directives for healthcare.

To participate in professional organizations and activities outside as they relate to the position.

1. When appropriate to service, as is needed and as directed by supervisor.
2. For own professional development.

Professional Conduct

1. Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department on an as needed basis or as determined by management.
2. Follows established hospital and department policies. Completes general and departmental orientation within established timeframes.
3. No more than 2 written substantiated complaints representing a breach of policy, procedure or professional behavior since the last evaluation.
4. Demonstrates the philosophy of team concept.

 Guest/Interdepartmental Relations

1. As observed by representatives of management, all interaction are conducted in a professional manner.
2. Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors, and co-workers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
3. Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g. answers phones promptly, is courteous and helpful).
4. Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
5. Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.

Maintains the highest standards of conduct in compliance with the Hospital’s Customer Service Excellence Initiatives in interactions with patients/families, c0-workers, medical staff, community members, and any other individual/agencies doing business with the organization. These expectations consist of the following guidelines:

1. HOSPITALITY: dresses all customers with the highest level of hospitality. Always uses a friendly greeting. Looks for opportunities to be helpful and considerate. Communicates clearly and openly. Practices courteous telephone etiquette.
2. EXCELLENCE: Performs all duties with a dedication to excellence. Provides service that is of value to the customers and attempts to exceed customer expectations.
3. ATTITUDE: Smiles readily and maintains a positive, "can do” attitude. Refrains from complaining to patients, families and visitors and other members of the healthcare team. Is caring and compassionate in all interactions.
4. RESPECT: Maintains sense of self-respect and personal empowerment. Provides compassionate care with respect for human dignity. Develops mutual trust in all interactions. Uses self control at all times. Maintains confidentiality at all times. Anticipates the need of customers.

 Professional Growth and Development

1. Completes a annual safety updates within established time frames.

2. Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.

3. Attends 80% of in-service programs.

1. Maintains licensure/certification as appropriate.

 Performance Improvement

1. Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other “customers.”
2. Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management’s attention, with suggestions for improvement.
3. Identified and implements methods of controlling costs or generating revenue while providing maximum value to both the patient/customer and the hospital.
4. Maximizes efficiency in all departmental operations.
5. Measures progress against quality goals.