Social Worker II

REFER A FRIEND BACK Location : Houston Methodist Hospital

6565 Fannin St

Houston, TX 77030

Job Ref : 40434 Talent Area : Case Management / Social Work Job Shift : 1st - Day Job Type : Full-Time Posted Date : March 27, 2023

Schedule : 2p - 12am, Wednesday - Saturday

At Houston Methodist, the Social Worker II (SW II) position comprehensively provides compassionate, clinical social work, psychosocial assessments, diagnosis and treatments, and complex discharge planning to patients and their families of a targeted patient population on a designated unit(s).

In collaboration with physicians and the interprofessional health care team, this position sensitizes other health care providers to the social and emotional aspects of a patient's illness to collaboratively facilitate efficient quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes and affect positive patient and family outcomes.

This position uses case management skills to help patients and their families address and resolve the social, financial and psychological problems related to their health condition.

The SW II position holds joint accountability with case manager, assuring that psychosocial and continuing care issues are addressed and treated as needed across the continuum of care and has responsibility for unit or departmental social work program development.

This position serves as a hospital-wide, service-line leader for psychosocial related issues, complex discharge planning activities, and population disease management.

Requirements :

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 15%

Role models communication in an active, positive and effective manner to all health care team members and reports pertinent patient care and family data in a comprehensive and unbiased manner, listens and responds to the ideas of others.

Uses therapeutic communication to establish a relationship with patients and families and communicates the discharge plan, facilitating transitions and hand-offs.

Supports patients and families in clinical or ethical issues. (EF)

Provides staff education specific to patient populations and departmental processes. Functions as a preceptor and mentor to new employees.

Identifies opportunities for professional growth of self and peers. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

Serves as a hospital / post acute-based leader for comprehensive case management activities including assessing high-risk patients and leading team to identify at-risk patients, participating in daily Care Coordination rounds, and identifying and leading resolution to barriers of efficient patient throughput.

Completes a full assessment based on the social work assessment, leading and addressing solutions of social determinants which is accomplished by patient / family interview, review of the medical record including previous episodes of care, H&P, lab and other test results / findings, plan of care, physician orders, nursing and progress notes.

Uses advanced knowledge and clinical expertise and screening tools to identify need for case management and / or social work intervention. (EF)

Addresses and manages conflict associated with a comprehensive psychosocial treatment plan utilizing appropriate clinical social work diagnoses, treatments and interventions, including crisis intervention, brief individual, marital and family therapies, and patient, family and caregiver groups.

Maintains ownership of the psychosocial component, assessments, diagnosis and treatment, of the discharge planning process on assigned units.

Assists with screening, identification, diagnosis, management and treatment of victims of abuse, neglect, and domestic violence and of mental health and / or substance abuse problems in patients and family members. (EF)

Establishes mutual educational goals with patient and family, providing appropriate resources, incorporating planning for care after discharge.

Provides education to physicians and other interprofessional health care team members on mutually identified goals of care and uses knowledge of levels of care, working with patient and family, to ensure discharge disposition is the appropriate level and facilitates transfers. (EF)

Uses knowledge for different levels of care, working with patient and family, to ensure discharge disposition is to the appropriate level and facilitates transfers, Provides brief, goal-directed counseling services to assist patients / families to cope more effectively with the transition. (EF)

QUALITY / SAFETY - 25%

Consistently documents to reflect completed patient screening / assessment and reassessment upon admission and concurrently as needed.

Modifies care based on continuous evaluation of the patient's condition, demonstrates problem-solving and critical thinking, and makes decisions using evidence-based analytical approach.

Considers variables that impact treatment plans including diagnosis of emotional, social, and environmental strengths and problems related to their illness, treatment and / or life situation. (EF)

Consistently reviews the total picture of the patient for opportunities for care facilitation and needs for discharge planning.

Works with case manager for routine discharge and anticipates / prevents and manages / elevates emergent situations with specific focus given to discharge plan and elimination of psychosocial barriers. (EF)

Collaborates with staff from the interprofessional health care team concerning safety data to improve outcomes and the safe transition of care through effective patient handoffs. (EF)

FINANCE - 25%

• Completes timely and thorough assessment on all unfunded patients to identify community resources required for effective transition by demonstrating an effective community resource knowledge base and judgment / ability to effectively select and coordinate available resources, including referrals to regulatory agencies, i.e. CPS / APS. (EF)
• Identifies, obtains and utilizes alternative resources to fill gaps in established community resources. (EF)
• Guides discharge planning activities for assigned patients and collaborates with the case managers and other members of the interprofessional health care team, as well as patient and family by intervening and coordinating cost-effective, complex discharge planning outcomes and decreased length of stay. (EF)

GROWTH / INNOVATION - 5%

• Provides education to hospital physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers on community resources and psychosocial impact on care needs. (EF)
• Identifies areas for improvement based on understanding of evidence-based practice literature. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. (EF)
• Identifies, initiates and leads evidence-based practice / performance improvement projects based on observations by offering solutions and participating in unit projects and activities. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business / job duties as assigned.

Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications :

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Master Degree in Social Work from accredited University (MSW)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) years social services experience in a healthcare setting

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license in the State of Texas

Nationally recognized social work or case management certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Knowledge of community resources and health care financial and payer issues, and eligibility for state, local and federal programs
• Maintains individual competencies around critical Social Work functions including; payor rules and regulations, psycho-social assessments and discharge planning methods
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in interactions with physicians, payors, and patients and their families
• Well versed in computer skills of the entire Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Critical thinking, collaboration, negotiation, and mediation skills
• Time management and prioritization skills
• Adherence to the clinical practice standards set forth by NASW practice standards for healthcare settings and more specifically in hospitals and medical centers
• Maintains level of professional contributions as defined in Career Path program

Description

Introduction

Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity.

We care like family! Jump-start your career as a(an) Hospice Master Social Worker today with HCA Houston Hospice & Family Care.

Benefits

HCA Houston Hospice & Family Care, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues.

The available plans and programs include :

• Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
• Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
• Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
• 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
• Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
• Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
• Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
• Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
• Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
• Colleague recognition program
• Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
• Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note : Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Come join our team as a Hospice Master Social Worker. We care for our community! Just last year, HCA Healthcare and our colleagues donated $13.

8 million dollars to charitable organizations. Apply Today!

Job Summary and Qualifications

Recruiter to insert Job Summary and requirements here

Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families / caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment.

Communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assists when it is not safe and another plan is required.

• Counsels patient and family / caregivers as needed regarding stress and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.

Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.

• Serves as liaison between patients and families / caregivers and community agencies. Ensures seamless home care services by providing direct oversight and coordination of care with other clinical service providers.
• Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists referral sources in accessing community resources should services not be provided by HCA Healthcare at Home.
• Ensures compliance with all state, federal, and CHAP social service regulatory requirements.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Responsibilities may also include fulfilling the role of Bereavement Coordinator, which involves being responsible to plan, implement and maintain a bereavement program to meet the needs of families / caregivers for up to one (1) year following the death of the individual hospice patients.

Added responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Coordinates the assessment and delivery of grief counseling needs and services (one to one, groups and ongoing follow-up) to ensure timely and appropriate services are provided to family / caregivers.

• Plans for Bereavement Program development, expansion and refinement through annual evaluation of services.
• Provides support to hospice personnel coping with work related grief through one to one Hospice & Family Care counseling, supervision of interns providing one to one counseling and referral to community resources.
• Provides bereavement information and referral services to callers from the community. Expands and maintains community resources as needed.
• Assists as needed in evaluating and planning services to meet hospice personnel support needs such as yearly retreats, weekly group supports.
• Functions independently but seeks and accepts guidance from other members of the interdisciplinary groups or from members of the community.
• Participate in hospice activities such as in-service education, hospice personnel meetings and relevant committees.

What qualifications you will need :

Master’s Degree in Social Work or in a human services field, including but not limited to sociology, special education, gerontology, rehabilitation counseling, and psychology;

and previous experience in a healthcare setting working directly with individuals.

Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and / or Organization requirements and is in good working order.

MSW degree sufficient in states that do not require professional licensure as prerequisite to practice.)

This role requires you to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 based on local, state and / or federal law or regulations (unless a medical or religious exemption is approved).

Hospice & Family Care provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and families. We help navigate each step of their hospice journey.

Our Care teams include physicians, nurses, therapists, hospice aides and social workers. Also, music therapists, spiritual counselors, volunteers and bereavement specialists are part of the care team.

Our services include regular scheduled visits and on-call support. Patients can receive hospice care at home or a skilled nursing center.

Hospice care is also available at an independent or assisted living community or a hospital. We are committed to ensuring our patients have the fullness of life, dignity and the respect they deserve.

HCA Healthcare raises the bar on what comprehensive hospice care looks like. Just like family, we pull together to care for and support our patients and each other.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times.

In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual." - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.

HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Hospice Master Social Worker opening.

We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus!

Must-Haves

1. Education : Graduate of an accredited Master of Social Work program (MSW)

2. Licenses / Certifications : Current license as a Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Texas required;

3. Field placement or internship in health services / health care provider experience.

Nice-To-Haves

1. Acute inpatient hospital social work experience preferred.

Job Description

The Licensed Master Social Worker systematically intervenes to provide clinical social work and complex discharge planning to patients and their families who have complex psychosocial needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies.

Under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, offer crisis intervention and / or mental health assessment to patients and families with psychosocial needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a multidisciplinary discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations.

This role will participate in an interdisciplinary team (including Physicians, Case Managers, Staff Nurses and other members of the care team) to provide services for individuals from at-risk population and ensure that psychosocial issues are attended to and treated as required across the continuum of care.

Typically reports to the Manager or Director, Case Management.

Minimum Qualification

Education : Graduate of an accredited Master of Social Work program (MSW)

Licenses / Certifications : Current license as a Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Texas required; ACM certification from American Case Management Association (ACMA) preferred

Experience / Knowledge / Skills :

Field placement or internship in health services / health care provider experience.

Acute inpatient hospital social work experience preferred.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Working knowledge of DSM V and ICD-10 manuals.

Demonstrates knowledge and skill in social work assessment and treatment of patients for mental health status and substance abuse screening.

Excellent therapeutic communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families, physicians and health care team colleagues.

Strong analytical skills.

Working knowledge and / or experience in utilization management, managed care, and payer issues.

Exposure and / or experience in pre-acute and post-acute care, as well as, community resources.

Ability to work independently, as well as, to develop collaborative relations with physicians, families, patients, interdisciplinary team and other community agencies.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrates commitment to the Partners-in-Caring process by integrating our culture in all internal and external customer interactions;

delivers on our brand promise of we advance health through innovation, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, compassion and results while ensuring one Memorial Hermann.

Principal Accountabilities

Assesses patient’s and family’s psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, develop and carry out a treatment plan by the use of a clinical social work diagnoses, assessments, and treatment interventions.

Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of illness and / or disability;

accesses and mobilizes family / community resources to meet identified needs. Under supervision this may include short term individual, marital and family therapies as well as crisis intervention.

Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse / neglect, domestic violence, guardianship (temporary / permanent), institutional abuse, foster care, adoption, mental health placement, advance directives, adult / elderly abuse, child protection and sexual assault.

Serves as a resource person and provides counseling and intervention related to treatment decisions and end-of-life issues.

Advocates for patient and family empowerment and independence to make autonomous health care decisions and access needed services within the health care system.

Participates in discharge planning activities for complex patients, in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers.

Deals with families exhibiting complex family dynamics that impact directly on patient care and discharge.

Communicates with clinical care team members regarding the discharge planning status of all patients referred by them.

Provides consultation to Case Managers when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes.

Receives referrals for complex patient problem resolution from Case Managers or clinical care team members.

Works in collaboration with the clinical and case management team members on transition planning and referrals to post acute care providers.

Keeps clinical and case management team members up-to-date on the status of the post-acute provider acceptance and clearance for discharge.

Validates discharge criteria for patient and families and notifies clinical and case management team members of newly-identified resources or change in previously-identified resources.

Educates patient / family and physician regarding post-acute options and addresses issues of choice.

Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory / continuing education and skills competency;

supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

Other duties as assigned.

Salary : $61,600 to $77,000, depending on experience.

Social Worker Includes, but not limited to : Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Medical Social Worker Minimum Qualifications : Degree : Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).

Education : Graduate from a School of Social Work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Experience : As required to meet clinical competency requirements specified in the Service-specific credentialing instructions.

Licensure : Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Core Duties : Coordinate appropriate referrals to community and other Government agencies for services.

Independently assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of patients and their family members and formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient’s problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills and assistance needed, in collaboration with the patient, family and interdisciplinary treatment team.

Independently conduct psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diverse backgrounds.

Use medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses / injuries, common medications and their effects / side effects, and medical terminology.

Implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical and social problems to achieve treatment goals.

Independently provide counseling and / or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups, couples, and families. Must practice within the bounds of the license or certification.

Provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.

Participate in professional peer review case conferences, research studies, or other organizations required at the MTF. Powered by JazzHR

We are searching for a Medical Social Worker someone who works well in a fast-paced setting. In this position, you will assist patients and their families in making psychosocial adaptations specific to their diagnosis regarding mental / behavioral health, while facilitating eligibility determination for social programs and funding resources.

You will apply optimal utilization of health care services and community resources in accordance with the principles of human growth and development.

The social worker will assess, plan, implement, deliver, monitor, and evaluate the options and services required to address a patient's individualized plan of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to achieve discharge goals.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Qualifications :

• Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any booster dose(s) of the COVID-19 vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control when eligible, is required for all employees at Texas Children’s, unless approved for a medical or religious exemption.
• Master’s degree in social work required
• LMSW or LCSW license from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council required

Responsibilities :

• Conducts a psychosocial assessment, evaluating patient / family psychosocial risk factors
• Collaborates with other professions to coordinate, implements & follow-up on the Psychosocial Plan of Care
• Identifies problems / needs in the department and participates in the problem-solving process as evidenced by participation in department staff meetings, participation on a department committees and observation by the leadership team
• Participates in Program Development for Purposes of Improved Quality of Care and Service Delivery
• Serves as a resource to other interdisciplinary team members regarding medical and or legal reporting guidelines as evidenced by leadership observation
• Provides evidence based, and client centered therapy to help patients and their families cope with their medical, behavioral, or mental health conditions
• Demonstrates ability to apply different therapeutic modalities for patient as indicated by patient needs and are accepted in mainstream social work practice