Social Worker

About the position

The Social Worker position at Waterbury Hospital involves collaborating with nurses in the Case Management practice to provide patient and family interventions aimed at improving clinical, financial, satisfaction, and compliance outcomes. The role focuses on assisting patients and families in coping with acute and chronic illnesses, lifestyle changes, and discharge recommendations, while also addressing social, financial, and emotional challenges related to healthcare and rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Perform assessment of patients/families on both FBC and hospital units.
• Evaluate patient and family information; select appropriate social work methods.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a plan in conjunction with the Case Manager and the multidisciplinary team.
• Serve as the lead in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.
• Participate in and provide pertinent information in 'length of stay' meetings, discharge planning rounds, unit daily report, clinical practice team and department meetings.
• Initiate patient/family and provider meetings to develop and plan strategies related to psychosocial and economic issues.
• Act as liaison between patient/families and all providers of care within and external to the organization on social issues.
• Support the placement of patients into long term care facilities.
• Review financial resources for long term placement and provide education to the patient/family.
• Provide support and counseling to patients/families experiencing issues related to illness, catastrophic diagnoses, changes in living situations, and bereavement.
• Document interventions and outcomes.
• Assist in resolving issues in the patient's environment that interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from health care.
• Consult, assess, refer and/or coordinate interventions in cases of suspected or actual situations of child or adult abuse and neglect or other forms of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.
• Act as lead in obtaining legal guardianship, competency determinations, and in adoption related situations.
• Complete and disseminate all necessary legal and clinical documentation as required.
• Conduct support groups for targeted populations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work preferred or Master's degree in Counseling.
• Minimum of 2 years post-master's experience in a medical setting.
• State of CT, LCSW preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.
• Working knowledge of healthcare reimbursement.
• Ability to work in a time-oriented environment including exposure to all patient elements, i.e., blood borne pathogens.