Social Worker MSW

JOB SUMMARY: All employees are expected to perform their duties in alignment with the vision and values of the organization. The person doing this job is responsible for a variety of tasks that lead to a high level of customer satisfaction in the most cost-effective manner. A social worker is responsible for providing psychosocial support and counseling to patients and their families to enable them to cope with crisis situations, terminal or long term illness, and to enable patients to utilize medical care in order to achieve their optimal level of health. EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS: Medical or hospital experience preferred. Familiarity with Interqual criteria preferred. EDUCATION: Masters in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work. LICENSURES/CERTIFICATION: Must successfully complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employment DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (These are the essential job functions for this position. The essential functions of this job include, but may not be limited to those listed in this job description. Employees hired for this position must be able to perform the essential function of this job without imposing significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others): Must be able to work autonomously and independently to assure that all patients requiring assessment, intervention and assistance are seen in a timely manner, meeting requirements of Social Services Policy and Procedures and all regulatory or payor agencies. Establish own caseload daily, using the census to case find, referrals from units, emergency pages, verbal requests. Interview patients and family members to obtain information and to assess the patient's social, economic, cultural, maturational, emotional and family situation. Assist patients and their families to understand, accept and follow medical recommendations through individual or family conferences. Provide referrals to appropriate community agencies. Documentation will be legible, thorough and complete, and meet all regulatory standards. Assist with discharge planning when there are complicating factors. Establish relationships with hospital staff and physicians to further collaborative patient care. Maintains objectivity and good interpersonal skills, which allow for effective interaction with a wide variety of people. Utilizes supervision in an open manner to discuss problematic cases, counter-transference and clinical issues to enhance professional understanding and increase quality of care for patients. Participates in staff meetings, committee meetings, team conference and other activities as assigned. Participates in the orientation of new employees or cross training of other social workers as needed. Participates in staff education and hospital in-services. Participates in department quality improvement programs/projects/audits. Adhere to Valley Presbyterian Hospital's dress code. Conduct self in professional manner that conforms with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Demonstrates an understanding of Valley Presbyterian Hospital's Mission and Core Values, and incorporates them into daily performance. Proactively seeks team-building and positive working relationships with all hospital staff and physicians. Demonstrates a continuing effort to improve the quality of his/her performance to better the Organization. Will be available for on-call assignments as scheduled. Report for work when expected, or notify Supervisor and Director of unexpected absences. Performs other related duties as assigned. The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principle content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job. The following job accountabilities are not unique to this particular job but are common to all jobs at VPH: Complies with VPH policies and procedures on customer satisfaction and service excellence. Demonstrates professionalism and cultural sensitivity in coordinating activities and communicating with all customers, peers, and the community at large. Conducts self in a professional, respectful and courteous manner during all interactions. Works effectively and collaboratively with others toward common goals. Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with department and interdepartmental team members. Demonstrates effective business writing and oral communication skills, handwriting is clear and legible. Participates in operational aspects of the department, and maintains/participates in performance improvement activities within the department. Participates in all departmental specific training, Environment of Care (injury/illness prevention, fire/life safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, utilities management, medical equipment management, safety and security management), infection control (standard precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan). Demonstrates knowledge of and follows safety practices. Understands the importance of safety, including patient safety in the work place. Maintains a safe environment for self and others. Actively participates in the Patient Safety Program, including event reporting. Identifies sentinel events/near misses and responds per defined organization processes. Participates in education activities and process implementation. Demonstrates advocacy for the patient/customer and appropriately acknowledges patients, customers and visitors. The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principle content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites. Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload. Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances. Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population. Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death. Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy. Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper/pager, and/or use a two-way radio. Occasional travel may be required. Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with/without moving parts. Salary Range: $33.40 - $45.75 per hour