Licensed Master Social Worker

Under the operational Leadership of Case Management, this position plans, organizes, administers and coordinates all activities for Social Work hospital-wide. The Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) provides professional application of Social Work Theory, principles, and methods to prevent, assess , evaluate, formulate and implement a plan of action based on the clients needs and strengths, and intervene to address mental, social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and addictive disorders, conditions and disabilities, and of the psychosocial aspects of illness and injury experienced by individuals and society. The Social Worker is responsible for a resource referral to community service providers for hospital patients; working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team; assists in developing resources, staff orientation education and inservice activities.  Social Worker will work with insurance agencies / funding sources to verify benefits and obtain any authorizations needed for required services

1. Respect for Patients’ values, preferences and expressed needs.
   • Involve the patients in the decision-making, recognizing they are individuals with their own unique values and preferences.
   • Treat patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity to his/her culture values and autonomy.
2. Coordination and integration of care
   • Allow patients to express feeling vulnerable and powerless in the face of illness and coordination of care to alleviate those feelings by bringing forth opportunities to; Coordinate clinical care, Coordinate Ancillary and support services and coordinate front line patients care
   • Collaboration and cooperation among the multidisciplinary teams across the continuum of care.
3. Information and Education
   • Allow patient to express their worries regarding their condition or progress by utilizing three areas of communication; Information on clinical status, progress and prognosis, Information on the process of care and information to facilitate autonomy, self-care and health promotion.
4. Physical Comfort
   • Three areas of importance for physical comfort; Assess Pain Management, Assistance with activities of daily living needs and understanding of the hospital surrounding and environment.
5. Emotional Support and alleviation of fears and anxiety- 
   • Fear and anxiety associated with illness can be as debilitating as physical effects. Provide support and attention to; Anxiety over physical status, treatment and prognosis, Anxiety over the impact of illness on themselves and family, Anxiety over financial impact of illness
6. Involvement of Family and Friends
   • Family dimensions of patient –centered care are identified by providing accommodations for family and friends, involve family and close friends in decision making, support family members as care givers and recognize the needs of family and friends.
7. Continuity and transition
   • Provide opportunities of patient to express concerns about their ability to care for themselves after discharge, etc.
   • Provide understandable, detailed information regarding medications, physical limitations, dietary needs, etc., Coordinate and plan ongoing treatment and services after discharge and provide information regarding access to clinical, social, physical and financial support on a continuing basis.
8. Access to care
   • Provide information when they need to know they can access care when it is needed IE: hospitals, clinics, and physician’s office.
   • Availability of transportation, scheduling appointments, accessibility to specialty services and clear instructions on when and how to get a referral.
9. Other duties as assigned.

1. Completion of an MSW degree
2. Minimum of two years experience in a health care setting. Discharge planning experience preferred.
3. Must have current New York State license as Licensed Master Social Worker required.
4. Understanding of common ethical and legal issues in the healthcare setting.
5. A high level of interpersonal skills and professional poise to interact with Medical Staff, other department staff, and Medical Center management is required.
6. Knowledge of the prospective payment system and current insurers payment methodologies, coding and sequencing, and data collection and analysis is preferred.
7. Assessment and goal setting skills, project management skills, and problem solving skills are required.
8. Knowledge of CMS, Department of Health, and The Joint Commission regulations is preferred.
9. Knowledgeable in managed care processes is preferred.
10. Computer experience preferred.
11. Good written and verbal communication skills.
12. Experience with obtaining authorization from insurance companies for inpatient or outpatient care preferred

As applicable, the individual has training/competency in attending to the special needs and/or behaviors appropriate to the age of the patients for which care is being provided.