JOB TITLE: GeroPsych Social Work/Discharge Planner

CC/Department: 6341/Geriatric Behavioral Health

Reports to: Director of GeroPsych

The psychiatric unit social worker assists patients on admission and completes treatment plans per hospital policy. The social worker provides individual and group counseling, communicates with families and patient’s authorized representatives, conservators, physicians and other health team members. He/She coordinates discharge-planning, assists with advance health care directives, financial and legal issues and maintains documentation of services in the medical record. The SW participates in the development and implementation of the comprehensive treatment plans, follows the discharge aftercare process, participates in the weekly reviews, and coordinates the discharge plan with the team.

JOB TITLE: 

GeroPsych Social Worker

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES (other duties may be assigned)

1

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

8

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.