To provide social work services for the hospital patients/families and support persons as appropriate in meeting their psychosocial needs.  To work in conjunction with the RN Case Manager to ensure that efficient care with appropriate use of resources is provided in an effective time frame, striving for positive patient outcomes.         
 
WORKING CONDITIONS: Works 8 hours per day, adjusting hours to meet the customers needs. Works weekend rotation. Assumes an on call rotation. Must be in good physical and mental health and maintain an excellent attendance record. Must adhere to Hospital policies and procedures. Must fulfill position description requirements. Is subject to frequent interruptions during performance of duties. Hazardous Exposure Category-1 Must be able to utilize computers/word processing.  
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of approved school with degree in social work or related field and licensure as a social worker. Current licensure in the State of Ohio One year experience in acute care setting. Refined communication skills, both written and oral.  Knowledge of managed care concepts in relation to financial aspects of patient care. Must be able to cope with the emotional and mental stress of the position and deadlines imposed on specific duties. Refined organizational skills with well developed style of diplomacy, assertiveness, and a tolerance for ambiguity. Able to use critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities and an understanding of systems and change process. Able to function independently, with autonomy, displaying personal integrity and always maintaining confidentiality.  Able to work with all levels of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Refined negotiating skills and the ability to deal with conflict resolution.  Demonstrates leadership skills and the ability to delegate tasks. Functions in the role as patient/family advocate, intervening as needs indicate. Dresses in professional manner, wearing either lab coats or jackets when in the clinical setting.    
  
MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To assist in the collaboration, implementation, and revision of an effective plan of care for the patient which strives to improve outcomes and assure effective, appropriate use of Hospital resources and services.
 
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Respects patient rights and responsibilities. Demonstrates use of age specific principles in communicating and educating population of service. Is courteous in dealing with all customers, whether external or internal. Demonstrates compassion and sensitivity to all customers. Shows respect for the customer's culture, language, customs, and beliefs. Maintains high standard of ethical and professional behavior. Focuses on customer service, internal and external. Actively participates in quality improvement activities within the department. Demonstrates the knowledge for the safe operation, maintenance and repair of equipment related to their assigned job duties/responsibilities. Adheres to safety policies and procedures as defined by the safety management program. Uses personal protective equipment and abides by universal precautions when performing tasks presenting the possibility of exposure to blood and body fluids. Completes required annual TB testing, Confidentiality Statement, and Internet Access Statement. Utilizes available educational resources to maintain and develop knowledge and skills related to field of practice.  
        JOB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Assesses patient's psychosocial needs related to illness and identifies interventions to promote coping and support for both patients and caregivers . Communicates, both verbal and written, post hospital care needs and plan to all members of the healthcare team. Assists with the development of a discharge plan and document clearly the ongoing interventions according to established departmental policy.  Assures back up plan is in place. Facilitates multidisciplinary discharge planning efforts through early identification of high-risk patients, initiating patient/family conferences to develop the post hospital care plan. Fosters role as advocate via ongoing assessment of patient needs to promote positive outcomes. Functions as reference and liaison for community resources and services available to patients and their families. Coordinates post hospital placements, guardianships, adoptions, and crisis intervention for patient population. Actively participates in units care huddles. Functions as resource to medical staff and Hospital staff regarding regulatory and payer requirements. Provides education and information to Clinical Vice Presidents and nursing personnel regarding patients in their areas of responsibility as needed. Communicates concerns to other areas within the Hospital as appropriate (Performance Improvement, Infection Control, Risk Management). Works closely with utilization review RNs to ensure information documented to meet the requirements of the third party payers. Functions as team member, working closely with case managers, utilization review RNs, precertification/verification specialists to promote positive patient outcomes. Identifies opportunities for inter and intradepartmental operational improvements. Provides coverage for team members as needed. Participates in regular meeting forums.