Social Worker-Social Services (Full Time)

The Social Worker is responsible for carrying out the philosophy and objectives established by Administration. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, contributes professional social work knowledge and skills in the provision of services that support patient and family access to health care and address psychosocial factors that influence a patient’s health in the hospital and ambulatory settings.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at https//dayinthelife.unitypoint.org.

Patient Care

• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community resources and acts as a liaison to refer patients/families to health and social services, health insurance, public assistance and other resources to meet patient identified needs.
• Performs psychosocial assessment of the patient to identify priority needs, strengths, patient preferences and barriers to care.
• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, healthcare team and other customers.
• Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling to patients/families to support their ability to cope with the impact of health conditions.
• Maintains quality of care related to the hospital’s expectation for quality discharge planning services.
• Educates patient/family regarding Advanced Directives and facilitates/documents advanced care planning conversations with patients/surrogate decision makers including First Steps and IPOST/IPOLST.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and referrals in the electronic health record according to documentation standards.
• Completes PASRR or other screening tools when appropriate for transition to another care provider.
• Assists with planning for care transitions and collaborates with UPH, community services, and facilities to support patient safety and continuity of care.
• Evidences ability to apply professional judgment when working with patients and families.

Education and Advocacy

• Serves as a patient/family advocate in support of patient confidentiality, informed consent, patient autonomy, and self-determination.
• Provides information and support with guardianship and conservatorship issues.
• Assesses patient safety to identify possible abuse, neglect or other risks to safety. Collaborates with the care team to address safety issues and files DHS reports and/or guides others in the process as mandated.
• Provides information and education to physician and other team members in understanding the psychosocial implications of illness and disease progression for the patient/family.
• Provides professional leadership through compliance with established department routines, policies and procedures.
• Provides education to the patient/family regarding available services and supports and assists the patient to access those they are eligible for.
• Supports culturally competent services and assists with arranging interpreter services as needed.
• Participates in mentoring new employees and/or supervising social work interns as requested.

Care Coordination

• Valid mandatory reporter course completion by state(s) requirement.
• Knowledge of the physiological elements of illness and impact on psychosocial functioning
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of social determinants of Health
• Knowledge of the social work process
• Successfully complete Person Centered Care course within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of the healthcare system and resources available to patients.
• Reviews reports and adjusts practices in the social service area in order to meet necessary regulatory and legal standards.
• Current licensure in good standing to practice social work at the Master’s level in the state where services are provided (LMSW).
• Provides expertise and plays a key role with the care team in establishing patient-centered goals of care and identifying psychosocial and behavioral strengths and barriers.
• Facilitates and/or participates in interdisciplinary team meetings or unit huddles to review and revise the patient plan of care.
• Masters degree in social work, counseling or related field is required. Active Illinois licensure as an LCPC or LCSW is required. Must have two years Human Service experience.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
• Completion of First Steps (ACP) and IPOST/POLST training.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a collaborative team member
• Awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity
• Facilitates patient/family meetings to enhance family support of the patient’s care.
• Collaborates with social workers and other professionals across the continuum and in the community to ensure continuity of care.