GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the AVP of Home Health, or designee, the Social Worker assesses patient's problems, and plans and implements social work treatment; works with community resources; confers with nursing and other rehabilitation staff; observes confidentiality and autonomy of patient/family; and participates in ongoing orientation of professional staff.

The Social Worker must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served – adolescent through geriatric. The Social Worker must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs; and to provide the care needed as described in the Home Health Division’s policies and procedures.

Type of supervision exercised: none. Jobs reporting to this position: none.

EDUCATION:

Master's degree in Social Work from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education required.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of two (2) years experience in a Social Work Department in a healthcare setting required.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Licensure in Social Work from the State of Pennsylvania preferred.

Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, patients, families, and external agencies.

Must be able to organize and coordinate services.

Must have strong understanding of family dynamics and individuals as they relate to illness and disability.

Valid PA driver's license and available transportation during all working hours required.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:

Provides skilled social work service in the home, including formulating a psycho-social assessment based on an evaluation of the environmental, psychological, familial, and health factors; impact of illness on patient/family, adaptive-coping mechanisms, specific stress areas, and financial difficulties including eligibility for public assistance and other insurance programs or private community resources.

Collaborates with nursing and other staff members regarding patient/family needs including psycho-social, financial, medical, and environmental. Advises on social problems and coordinates discharge planning with other health care members.

Develops social work treatment plan based on evaluation; goals assessed in consideration of realistic appraisal of patient/family's ability and/or wish to participate. Implements individual patient/family counseling.

Participates in case conferences to evaluate and implement resources and/or options available to patients. Participates and reports in interdisciplinary team meetings. Attends and participates in Utilization Review Committee meetings.

Serves as a primary contact for all internal and external requests for information regarding cases. Locates, establishes, and maintains information and liaison with community resources. Intervenes or serves as advocate with community resources as necessary on patient behalf to procure services.

Assists in the development and implementation of policies related to social work activities.

Prepares a variety of reports related to direct service activities, such as daily visit reports, progress reports, discharge summaries, and baseline reports per agency policy.

Participates in ongoing in-service training and attends seminars appropriate to social service.

Assists in orientation of staff members to the social work department.

Participates in educational programs including community education and continuous quality improvement activities.