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Summary:

Responsible for providing social work and discharge planning functions for the hospital, medical centers and the Quaboag Valley VNA and Hospice. Provides resources for inpatients, outpatients, Emergency Department and Surgical Day Care. Helps patients and families through individual or group conferences to understand, accept, and follow biopsychosocial recommendations, and provides services planned to restore patients to optimum biopsychosocial adjustment within their capability. Works with patients of all ages (pediatric- geriatric) and demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan. Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in PI activities

Job Responsibilities:

1) Responsible to perform psychosocial assessments on high risk patients and interprets problems of biopsychosocial situations as they relate to condition or hospitalization and takes appropriate action. Works as a member of an Interdisciplinary Team and documents findings of Interdisciplinary Care Plan. Collaborates with Utilization Management Coordinator and other members of the healthcare team to provide for psychosocial assistance for optimum post-discharge services.

2) Helps patient/families with environmental difficulties, which interfere with obtaining maximum benefits for care. Communicates in a professional manner with family members and caretakers regarding the needs of the patient and anticipated plans. Documents initial assessments and intervention within 1'1 working day after admission. Includes living situation, services, stressors, and discharge planning needs. Maintains accurate, concise and ongoing documentation of social work involvement with each high-risk patient at least every 3 working days.

3) Coordinates and arranges for post hospital care assessing adequacy of home situation arranging for follow-up appointments and makes referrals as needed. Maintains current knowledge of resources available within the community, maintains supply of resource materials to be distributed to patients when needed. Is able to obtain other resources as needed. Maintains positive referral relationships with community agencies, acting as liaison between staff, patients, relatives and appropriate community agencies. Communicates clearly, accurately and in a timely manner with attending MD and other appropriate staff regarding patient status and progress.

4) Submits complete and accurate statistical reports by stated deadline. Files verbal and written mandated reports of neglect/abuse with appropriate agencies as necessary. Collaborates with the Business Office Manager and onsite eligibility worker.

5) Plan, organize and direct department activities. Develop goals and objectives, establish and implement policies and procedures for department operation. Develop programs in the field to meet current needs. Review and improve department performance. Keep administration informed of department activities, needs and problems. Select, train/orient and assign department staff. Develop standards of performance; monitor and supervise staff. Evaluate performance and initiate or make recommendations for personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions and disciplinary actions. Encourage professional development of department personnel through inservice education and outside conferences, including knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life cycle. Develop and maintain job descriptions for all staff members. Resolve staff grievances.

6) Develop and recommend department operating budget and ensure that department operates within allocated funds. Maintain department reports and statistics for administrative and regulatory purposes. Consult with administration concerning capital expenditures. Identify age specific patient needs and develop quality social work education and programs to meet these needs; assure the delivery of quality social work for inpatients and outpatients. Be available for consultation with medical, nursing, administrative staff, community agencies, interdisciplinary team members and other managers as needed. Manage case load and staff hours to suit needs of patients and institution.

7) Develop and maintain quality improvement and evaluate provisions of services and reporting methods of the department. Ensure that the department is represented at conferences and working committees. Participate in administrative staff meetings and attend other meetings as assigned. Establish and maintain communications within the department and with other hospital departments. Develop relationships with community agencies, groups, professional affiliations, etc. as is appropriate

8) Assists patients and families in securing financial/medication assistance as needed. Performs and completes assignments/objectives, provides follow through in a conscientious and complete manner. Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Provides support with advances directives and assists patient/family with the grieving process. Assesses patients cultural/spiritual needs and makes appropriate referrals. Acts on performance improvement issues identified during PI meetings or by the Director of Social Work/Discharge Planning.

9) Recognizes own strengths and weakness and seeks additional supervision as needed and accepts suggestions/requests regarding changes and methods to increase productivity. Accepts supervisory feedback and incorporates suggestions into practice. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility. Refrains from public complaints and disagreements handling all problems where they cannot be overheard by others.

10) Works enthusiastically and independetly to enhance a professionalized Department image; placing overall Department image above individual needs. Demonstrates an ability to be ftexible, organized and function under stressful situations. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings and workshops.

11) Completes annual education requirements for license renewal. Actively works to build positive staff relationships within the department. Is flexible and positive in accepting new responsibilities. Works independently without need for constant reminders/supervision once request made by supervisor. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

12) Uses effective interpersonal communication skills to resolve conflicts and suggests effective solutions. Is aware of and follows policy and procedures re: infection control, safety, personnel policies, hospital code system and hazard communication program.

13) Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. Reports to work in time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch system correctly. Attends scheduled staff meetings.

Required Work Experience:

1) 2 years experience in medical field under supervision of an MSW, or Bachelor's degree in related field with 3 years experience in medical field under the supervision of an MSW

Preferred Work Experience:

1) with medical exp

2) or Master's Degree in related field with 1 year of medical social work exp

Skills and Competencies:

1) Able to communicate effectively in English, bolh verbally and in writing

You Belong At Baystate

At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.

DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.

Education:

Bachelor of Science (Required)

Certifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Ab out Baystate Health

Baystate Health (BH) is one of New England’s leading and largest integrated health care organizations, serving a population of nearly one million people throughout western New England. With roots dating back to the founding of Springfield City Hospital in 1873, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality and compassionate health care in western Massachusetts for more than 145 years. With more than 12,000 employees, a medical staff of nearly 3,100 physicians, and a net patient service revenue of more than $1.4 billion, the ever-growing health system includes five Massachusetts hospitals and the Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center in Ware:

• Baystate Medical Center in Springfield

• Baystate Children’s Hospital (located at Baystate Medical Center)

• Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield

• Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer

• Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield