ED Clinical Social Worker - LCSW

Position Summary

Utilizing clinical social work techniques and theory, consults on, assesses, and intervenes with high‑risk patients and their families regarding the impact/amelioration of emotional and social problems. Duties also include, but are not limited to, conducting psychosocial assessments, making a psychosocial diagnosis, planning and implementing effective treatments, evaluation, education, supervision, coaching and mentoring of the patient (client) and family members. The position consults with, collaborates and communicates with a wide range of social, governmental and legal agencies, courts, schools, clinics, other hospitals, physicians and other sources in the overall care of the patient.

Clinical Social Worker - LCSW

ED

Sun, Fri, Sat 7am-3:30p

One or Two Holidays Per Year

• Assesses patient and family to ascertain emotional and social problems. Utilizes the department’s psychosocial assessment tool as a guideline.
• Identifies issues that must be addressed during the patient’s care and formulates a plan.
• Completes biopsychosocial assessments and other specialized trauma assessments.
• Provides trauma‑informed, strengths‑based interventions on behalf of patients and their families.
• Communicates effectively and proactively with providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals and team members in the Emergency Department.
• Initiates and manages meetings with families dealing with catastrophic news: disease progression, traumatic incidents, and loss/bereavement.
• Supports patients and families who are in crisis; initiates family meetings with ED providers.
• Interacts independently and effectively with providers, nurses, and other ED healthcare professionals on behalf of patients and families.
• Responds to P1 and P2 traumas promptly and assists the team in identifying patients and next of kin.
• Provides case management and advocacy on behalf of patients and families.
• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams and community providers on behalf of patients and families.
• Assesses safety risks and provides brief, solution‑focused interventions and safety plans with patients as needed.
• Uses techniques including motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and trauma‑focused cognitive behavioral treatment to support patients and families.
• Provides crisis intervention and problem‑solving support to patients and families in crisis.
• Provides information, referrals, and counseling regarding health issues, child protection needs, family violence, illness, community violence, substance use/abuse, disabilities, mental health concerns, bereavement, and family homelessness.
• Collaborates effectively with other BMC programs to support patients and families, including VIAP, CVRT, Safety & Support, and Elders Living at Home.
• Collaborates effectively with community agencies: BPD, BHA, BMH, Elder Services, Disabled Persons Protection Commission, DCF, DMH, DDS, DHCD, and Mass Rehab Commission/SHIP program.
• Responds promptly to consult requests and referrals for social work supports.
• Reaches out ED staff for referrals when consult requests are completed.
• Uses clinical and time‑management skills to triage cases and prioritize patients with the most time‑sensitive needs.
• Communicates with ED colleagues and Social Work Manager on call to consult on questions and concerns.
• Provides education, crisis intervention and emotional support to patients, families, and ED staff as needed.
• Develops and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Screens and assesses patients for needs regarding social determinants of health.
• Reports any and all suspected cases of abuse and neglect and follows up to ensure the patient receives timely comprehensive consultations and compliance with legal mandates.
• Identifies need to involve patient’s family through the initial assessment process and attempts contact on the same day, if indicated.
• Consults and collaborates with healthcare team members to ensure that patient’s emotional and social needs are addressed.
• Provides psychotherapy and/or psychosocial support to patient and family to reduce the impact of identified…