Hospital Social Workers play a critical role in healthcare settings by providing emotional support, counseling, and assistance to patients and their families during times of illness, injury, or medical crisis. They work closely with healthcare teams to address social, emotional, and practical challenges that may affect a patient's well-being and recovery. This job description outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for a Hospital Social Worker.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment:
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify patients' needs, strengths, and potential barriers to their medical care and recovery.
- Evaluate patients' social, emotional, and financial situations to develop appropriate care plans.
Counseling and Support:
- Offer emotional support and counseling to patients and their families, helping them cope with the stress and emotional impact of illness or medical procedures.
- Provide crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
Care Coordination:
- Collaborate with medical teams, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
- Develop and implement care plans that address the social determinants of health and support patient recovery.
Discharge Planning:
- Assist in discharge planning by arranging for post-hospital care, home health services, medical equipment, or rehabilitation services.
- Ensure that patients have access to necessary resources and support after leaving the hospital.
Advocacy:
- Advocate for patients' rights and needs within the healthcare system.
- Assist patients in navigating insurance, financial assistance, and community resources.
Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, documenting assessments, interventions, and progress notes.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations regarding patient privacy.
Education and Outreach:
- Conduct educational programs and outreach initiatives to raise awareness about healthcare resources and support services available to patients and their families.
Crisis Intervention:
- Respond to crises within the hospital, such as cases of child abuse, domestic violence, or elder abuse, and take appropriate actions to protect vulnerable individuals.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
- State licensure or certification as a Clinical Social Worker, if required by the state.
- Previous experience in a healthcare or hospital setting is often preferred.
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology and the healthcare system.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Empathy, compassion, and the ability to build rapport with patients and families.
- Problem-solving and crisis intervention skills.
- Familiarity with community resources and support services.
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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