Recognized leadership abilities and strong clinical background, who will provide assistance to the department manager in the continuing operation of the department, and facilitate the provision of professional services to meet the psychosocial needs of the patient through psychosocial assessments, brief treatment/counseling, crisis interventions, case consultation, patient education, resource management, and assistance with discharge planning. The Lead Social Worker will provide leadership to the other social workers in the department with guidance and oversight.

The Lead Social Worker is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, providing mental health expertise and  community outreach/networking with community programs as needed. The Lead Social Worker works closely with social service staff to coordinate services for patients according to policies, procedures, and guidelines.

This position requires providing care and/or service to the critically ill, rehabilitating newborn, and the geriatric patient population in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of the functional and/or developmental age of the individual served.

This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support San Gabriel Valley Medical Center’s strategic plan and the goals and direction of the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Consistently applies infection control policies/practices.  

1. Understands and practices standard precautions for self and others in patient care activities.
2. Understands and practices appropriate disease-specific isolation.

Meets population/age specific competencies per unit specific addendum. 

Attends department specific education/training, inservices, and staff meetings. 

1. Attends mandatory inservices/educational/training activities.
2. Submits all required paperwork on time.
3. Verifies, by signature/initials, attendance at staff meetings or reading of staff meeting minutes.

Participates in and coordinates administrative projects. 

1. Provides administrative support to Department Director.
2. Utilizes risk management strategies to minimize organizational liability.
3. Demonstrates the ability to apply the change process in support of organizational imperatives.
4. Assists in maintaining department readiness for all regulatory requirements.
5. Serves as a role model for team building behaviors, both departmentally and organizationally.
6. Serves as a resource during crisis or disaster situations.
7. Provides assistance in the development of department policies and procedures.
8. Assists with assignments/schedules at direction of Director

Demonstrates ability to provide competent and age-appropriate clinical care.

1. Maintains appropriate knowledge and skills to serve as a resource to staff for patient care.
2. Provides support for case management through knowledge of basic utilization review concepts, DC planning and general payor requirements.
3. Demonstrates the ability to utilize a systematic approach, including physiological, psychological, spiritual, environmental, and age-related factors when assessing patient care needs.
4. Demonstrates ability to safely and competently provide care in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrates ability to provide for a variety of therapeutic and interventional modalities to meet 0patient’s psychosocial needs.
6. Demonstrates ability to provide timely and appropriate assessments and interventions for patients.
7. Demonstrates ability to advocate for patient’s rights.
8. Knowledgeable regarding community resources and demonstrates ability to mobilize them on patient’s behalf.
9. Demonstrates ability to maintain appropriate documentation and statistical records.

Education/Training/Experience

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of Social Work or Master’s Degree from an accredited psychology program
• Three years acute care hospital experience
• Leadership experience preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed as a Masters prepared social worker or marriage and family therapist
• BLS 
• LCSW license required