Position Summary Provides Social Services work in accordance with professional standards and established hospital policies and procedures. Services are designed to be easily accessible by patients, families, significant others and internal and external sources. Services focus on enhancing the patient’s adjustment to illness and initiating referrals for continued care post discharge. Provides expertise in the management of multi-systems to ensure quality of service. Intervenes with patients who have complex psychosocial needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. Offers short term therapeutic counseling and crisis intervention to patients and families with psycho-social needs. Coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations and patients with complex discharge needs. Receives referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team members (including physicians and staff nurses) and are involved with 100% of some specifically designated patient populations. Minimum Qualifications Work Experience Previous Social Work experience preferred.
Education Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Social Work, or related field required.
Certifications/Licensure Licensed Kentucky Social Worker preferred. Job Specific Performance Standards The duties listed below are a summary of the major essential functions of this position. The position may require other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned, and specific functions may change from time to time.
  Completes assessment of referred patients to determine need for Discharge Planning and Social Work intervention. Develops plan for service with involvement from families and other disciplines. Coordinates discharge planning, as referred by members of the healthcare team, with involvement from patient, family and significant others, and initiates referrals to appropriate community resources to obtain needed services post discharge. Interacts effectively with the physician regarding discharge planning needs. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary Social Services Team, participates in team meetings and shares relevant patient information. Provides supportive counseling to patients and families to assist in adjustment to illness. Provide crisis intervention and grief counseling to families following death of patient. Coordinates referrals to Kentucky Department of Protection and Permanency regarding Abuse, Neglect, and Adoption. Coordinates petition to the court for guardianship appointment. Provides information regarding Advance Directives. Documents services provided in the medical record. Develops and maintains positive and professional relationships with referral sources.