Social Worker - Behavioral Health Unit

OVERVIEW

The Behavioral Health Social Worker assesses and assists with creating a plan to meet the mental health needs of the patient. They work within the multi-disciplinary team to provide patients with a safe environment, education and knowledge to improve coping skills, support networks and next level of care follow up.

SCHEDULE: Three, 12-hour shifts per week with rotating weekend coverage

SHIFT: Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's behavioral/mental health problem. 

• Assesses patients for continuing care needs, prepares patient histories, discharges, and creates treatment plan of care (reviews with the patient) for providing continuing care, communicating information with physicians, multidisciplinary team, patients, families and staff, facilitating transition between levels of care, making appropriate referrals, assisting patients to complete advance directives; educating patients about resources/options, and documenting all activities in a timely and concise manner. 

• May be responsible for providing behavioral health services to patients presenting in the Emergency Department and on medical floors for purposes of identifying appropriate level of service needed and appropriate disposition. Works closely with discharge planners and Rock County Crisis to meet these patient needs.  (hospital based) 

• Assesses patient needs and develops appropriate dispositional plans and coordinates care with the appropriate departments or outside agencies. 

• Maintains strong communication, works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's health problem. 

• Provides emotional support that helps patients and families understand and accept medical recommendations; utilizes community resources to assist patients to resume live in the community or to learn to live with their unique limitations. 

• Provides information, referral, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and coordinates discharge planning to ensure continuity of care. 

• Facilitates education groups and individual sessions to address treatment plan goals with patients (and families as appropriate). 

• May engage in psychotherapeutic counseling of individuals, families and groups under supervision of a person authorized by the board of licensing.  

• Work with interdisciplinary team to maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu. 

• Assesses patient needs, creates goals and interventions in a plan of care in collaboration with the psychiatrist and treatment team.  

• Coordinates dispositional plans to next level of care.  

• Documents in EMR. Completes paperwork and/or computer data collection and reporting. 

• Facilitates educational groups. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Social Work required 

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

• APSW or LSW 

• TACT certification within 90 days 

• Approved CPR or BLS certification within 90 days

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development 

opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; consistently performs essential duties and responsibility. 

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on resolving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeping emotions under control; Remains open to others ideas and tries new things. 

Change Management - Develops workable implements plans; Communications changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change. 

Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results. 

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others. 

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. 

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision- making process; Makes timely decisions. 

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours. 

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. 

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions. 

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potential unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly; Utilizes appropriate equipment for partner/patient safety; such as lifts and gait belts. 

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes 

approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 

Attendance and Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time, ready to accept assignment. 

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to leadership direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with alternate plan. 

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed; Seeks out educational opportunities. 

Computer Skills 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software, Internet software; Word Processing software and Microsoft Outlook. 

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

Must be able to work independently with minimal guidance.

SUPERVISES

May directly supervise Social Work Students/Interns as assigned. Communicates the progress of each student on a regular basis to supervisor. Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.