MSW-LICSW

I. Position Function:

The Social Worker is responsible for providing/ or supporting the implementations of social work assistance to participants and family members of the Day Health Center who have concerns or problems related to aging, illness, and physical or emotional limitations, family or relationship problems.

II. Job Relationships:

The Social Worker is directly accountable to the Program Director and to the participants for quality of social services delivered.

The Social Worker collaborates with the following staff by job category:
- Medical Center Social Service Department

Interacts closely with various disciplines within and outside the Medical Center in an effort to coordinate client services, i.e. physicians, discharge planners, home health agencies, home care corporations, families, geriatric care managers, mental health professionals, etc.

III. Authority:

Has the authority to provide social work services in the Program, assisting clients and families to cope with plans and decisions that need to be made for the present as well as planning the continuum of care.

IV. A. Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

1.) "Provides superior customer service to internal and external clients, customers,
and patients as referenced in the Service Excellence Standards."

May provide individual and/or group counseling/therapy to patients and/or their families.

May provide patient advocacy.

May provide diagnostic evaluations and psycho-social assessments.

May provide referrals and/or follow-up services.

May provide liaison with clinical interdisciplinary teams.

May facilitate continuing care plans.

May provide crises intervention.

May supervise other social workers and graduate students.

Complete a social service assessment within five attendance days for new participants based on data gathered from the client, his or her primary caregiver, and community agencies.

Develop a social service plan which can be incorporated into the individual's Health Care Plan.

Interpret client's needs to other staff members through documentation, direct communication, and case conferences.

Meet with each client at least once every three months for thirty minutes to assess coping skills,
home situation, emotional state, financial situation, support services, etc. Contact family
members and involved community agencies at this time as well.

Refer clients and families to appropriate community resources.

Co-lead the Caregiver Support Group with the Program Director.

Conduct family meetings as indicated.

Serve as a resource to staff members.

Conduct a large therapeutic group weekly. Conduct small group series on a weekly basis that promotes interaction and socialization.

Participates in the orientation of new staff members, students, and clients.

Participates in staff meetings and case conferences.

Attend in-service training appropriate to the clinical area.

Performs duties as requested by the Program Director.

B. Responsibilities/Non-Essential Functions:

None

V. Reporting Requirements:

Reports immediately any changes in the client's cognitive, psychosocial, and financial situation which might impact on his/her ability to safely remain in the community.

Will report quarterly regarding data collected for the unit Quality Improvement Plan to the Program Director.

Reports immediately all incidents and breaches in the quality of care to the Program Director.

VI. Accountability:

Shall be accountable for maintaining the confidentiality and security of all hospital-related, medical-staff related, and patient-related data and information.

Shall be accountable for abiding by all relevant Medical Center policies and procedures.

Shall be accountable for observing all policies and procedures of the department.

VII. Qualifications:

Minimum Education:

Master's degree in Social Work.

Minimum Experience:

Two years post-graduate experience working with older adults in a community-based setting is required.

Minimum skills/abilities:

Strong orientation to the special needs of older adults; many of whom suffer from cognitive impairment, in accordance with the Medical Center's values, particularly the holistic approach to healing.

Certification/Licensure:

LICSW, Massachusetts license.

Training:

The assignment requires the worker to continue his/her professional education through readings, seminars, workshops, etc.

Special Qualifications:

Must work with an elderly population and their caregivers who require much support due to the loss of cognitive and physical abilities.