ABOUT NCH
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.
NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.
Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
JOB SUMMARY
The Hospital Social Worker (BSW) plays a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources during their hospital stay and beyond. This position requires a compassionate and detail-oriented individual who demonstrates understanding and sensitivity of diverse cultural backgrounds. The successful candidate will be committed to improving outcomes for high-risk populations by consulting the MSW and RN Case Managers, as needed. Enhances the overall patient experience, with a focus on mitigating the impact of social determinants of health. This is a patient facing role with a strong focus on patient experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
· Interviews patients/families to conduct a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to identify patients' needs, strengths, and challenges.
· Collaborates with the healthcare team, focusing on addressing social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting patient care.
· Facilitates complex patient care issues such as the need for a legal guardian, lack of U.S citizenship, abuse/neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, adoption, uninsured/underinsured, behavioral health needs, homelessness, and end of life care.
· Facilitates family patient/family care conferences.
· Avoids discharge delays by formulating primary and back up discharge plans.
· Provides emotional support, counseling, and crisis intervention to patients and their families assisting patients and their families with coping with illness, trauma, hospitalization, and post-discharge needs.
· Assist patients and families in coping with illness, trauma, hospitalization, and post-discharge needs.
· Coordinates with healthcare providers, including RN Case Managers, physicians, nurses, therapists, and other social workers, to ensure holistic patient care.
· Facilitates referrals to community resources, social services, and other support systems.
· Ensures seamless transitions between levels of care, such as from hospital to home or long-term care facilities.
· Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop and implement safe and effective discharge plans.
· Educates patients and families about post-discharge care, available resources, and follow-up care plans.
· Coordinates post-discharge services, such as home health care, rehabilitation, and transportation.
· Advocates for patients' rights and access to necessary services and resources.
· Assists patients and families in navigating the healthcare system and accessing financial assistance, insurance, and community resources.
· Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation in EPIC of patient assessments, care plans, interventions, and outcomes.
· Responsible for addressing the impact of social determinants of health and connecting patients and their families with resources to support them in overcoming social and economic barriers to health.
· Develops strategies to address and mitigate the effects of social determinants of health on patient care.
· Serves as a patient advocate ensuring needs and preferences are addressed and respected.
· Identifies and removes barriers to progression of care, offering resources for barriers to health care including financial, social, and logistical issues.
· Requires advanced knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payor guidelines.
· Participates in multidisciplinary rounds and provides input on patient’s discharge plan.
· Assures that financial counselors meet with self-pay patients to determine existence of third-party payer source or assist with development of self-pay strategies.
· Addresses and educates patients/families on Advanced Directives.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited institution required.
· Must enroll in MSW program within 1 year of hire and complete MSW within 3 years of hire.
· Social work experience, preferably in a hospital or healthcare setting preferred.
· Experience in crisis intervention, discharge planning, and care coordination is highly desirable.