POSITION SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES

Counsels and assists patients and their families with personal and environmental difficulties which predispose illness or hinder the patient from receiving maximum benefits from medical care. Acts as a therapeutic agent as a member of multi-disciplinary health and mental health teams.

FUNCTIONS/BEHAVIORS

1. Demonstrates knowledge and application of Social Worker concepts. (E 50%)

a. Interviews patients and family members to assess psychosocial needs.

b. Develops goals or plans with patients/families in coordination with medical recommendations.

c. Provides counseling which assists patients and their families in crisis to mobilize their support systems.

d. Maintains job specific competencies based on patient population and advanced skills.

e. Documents relevant, accurate information in a timely manner.

f. Maintains an accurate database to facilitate quality and appropriateness of care and outcome management tracking.

2. Participates in team conferences on the behalf of patients. (E 15%)

3. Stays current on community agencies and resources in order to provide accurate, timely information. (E 15%)

4. Prepares statistical reports and special studies as assigned. (E 10%)

5. Participates in departmental staff meetings, inservices and process improvement activities. (M 5%)

6. Performs other duties, to include on-call, as assigned. (M 5%)

7. Demonstrates competence to perform assigned patient care responsibilities in a manner that meets the age-specific and developmental needs of patients served by the department. (E)

Appropriately adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment and/or care methods to accommodate the unique physical, 6. psychosocial, cultural, age-specific and other developmental needs of each patient served. (E)

7. Supports University Health System mission, vision and values. Demonstrates established customer service behaviors and standards. Treats all customers with courtesy, dignity, respect and professionalism. (E)

SUPERVISION

Supervision is received from the Administrative Director Care Coordination, or designee.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is required. One year's post master's degree experience in a health care setting is preferred.

LICENSURE

Current state licensure from the Texas Department of Human Services is required.

ACCURACY

Competence in preparation of written reports demonstrated by accuracy of information and correctness of grammar and spelling is required.

EQUIPMENT

Must have basic computer skills. Must have skills and working knowledge of general office equipment (e.g. computer and fax machine).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Encounters conditions and hazards usual to hospital and patient contact activities. Must possess physical and mental health to meet the demands of the position (e.g. walking, bending, standing and sitting). May be required to work weekends, holidays.

OTHER

The ability to read, write and speak Spanish is desirable. Must also successfully complete the pre-employment/post job offer health screening examination and the annual screening, each year thereafter, as an employee.The LMSW going through clinical supervision for the purpose of sitting for the LCSW credential will participate in assessment, and/or evaluating patients with suspected mental illness or emotional disorders, provide a presumptive diagnosis and establish a treatment plan and or treatment recommendations for the ongoing care of the patient.