Clinical Social Worker LCSW- 40hr

This position is accountable for identifying and assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families through clinical assessment, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, case consultation with the health care team and collaboration with other professionals in the community.  This position is tuned in to the social determinates of health while assessing for abuse and neglect.  This position supports the medical teams throughout the Organization.   This clinician assures access, provides assessment and/or direct care, coordinates resources and partners with receiving programs and community.  By utilizing excellent communication and negotiation skills, this clinician focuses on providing the appropriate service in the most cost-effective formula to assure that the patient, provider, payor and health care organization’s goals are met. Reports to the Manager of Clinical Social Work.

Responsibilities

Assesses and plans patient care by conducting timely bio-psychosocial assessments and evaluations of patients and families which include social, psychological, cultural and financial information. Focus on family wellbeing and safety as well as social determinants of health. -50%

May be responsible for responding to and completion of biopsychosocial assessments for medical trauma patients. -  10%

Develops therapeutic plan based on psychosocial assessment.  Provides advocacy, discharge planning to. -  10%

Coordinates and implements patient/family care by collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, other payors and partnering with patients/families; establishing a multidisciplinary plan to address identified issues and goals; documenting and communicating in a timely manner; and educating patient/family in order to meet established goals and ensure seamless, coordinated transitions across levels of care.  5%  

Assesses patients’ medical insurance(s) or other resources and initiates appropriate utilization review processes in placement decisions in order to preserve patients’ financial resources and ensure appropriate hospital payment.   10%

Assumes responsibility for self-improvement by identifying, communicating and seeking resources to meet own learning needs. 10%    

Provides on-call clinical response as part of an on-call team which can include evenings, nights and weekend hours. 5%
    
Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through young adult and applies them to practice.  Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families. 5%
 

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education: MSW from a CSWE accredited institution of higher learning.
• Experience: Requires a minimum of 2 years related experience serving the needs of women, children and families.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Experience:
  • 2-3 years in a pediatric medical setting.
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of medical conditions and health care experience of specific patient populations.

License and/or Certification Required:

• Current State of CT LCSW.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Family centered care principles and practices preferred. 
• Individual, group and/or family therapy modalities
• Twelve step and self-help programs.
• Addiction and recovery process
• Child protection issues.
• Age related differences and needs of patients in specific populations from neonate through young adult and pregnant/postpartum women.
• Legal and ethical issues related to patient rights.

Skills:

• Strong assessment skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong self-care skills to cope with the stressors of this high intensity and unpredictable work environment

Abilities:

• Prioritize and demonstrate flexibility.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients and families.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers and job related applications.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in medical terminology.