Social Work (LCSW)-General Medicine, Observation, Full-Time, Days

Social Work (LCSW)-General Medicine, Observation, Full-Time, Days

The Social Worker LCSW reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

A licensed, masters-prepared social worker who is an experienced and independent generalist clinician responsible for complex psychosocial interventions and facilitating the plan of care through discharge planning and resource utilization for all patient populations throughout the Northwestern Memorial Hospital campus.

Proactively collaborates with Patient Care staff, Medical Staff, and other ancillary departments integrating the Department's functions and services with other aspects of the patient care process.

For each problem, issue, or concern, develops observable and measurable goals and expected outcomes in the areas of problem resolution, utilization and resource management, and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Psychosocial Assessment & Intervention
• Performs assessments of the physical environment and adequacy of support systems for outpatients to prevent a crisis and/or hospitalization.
• Provides Crisis Intervention and/or Protective Services for:

• The elderly without support systems; with impaired mental status and/or victims of suspected abuse/neglect.
• Victims of suspected sexual/physical assault (includes rape and molestation.)
• Victims of suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Victims of domestic violence.
• Guardianship and/or protective services for patients with significant mental status impairment or unsafe living environment.
• The homeless.

Manages Discharge Planning through Placement Coordination and Resource Utilization

• Actively participates in the stages of discharge planning and ensures that the plan of care is coordinated, facilitated and effectively communicated to the physician(s), healthcare team, patient and family.
• Provide initial screening for all new patients to assure medical necessity, source of funding, and likelihood of needing social work and/or discharge planning services.
• Serves as the point person for the plan of care as it applies to discharge planning needs through facilitation of direct and continuous communication and collaborative decision making, including participation in multidisciplinary rounds and case conferences and other collaborative forums.
• Coordinates action plans when barriers are present to facilitate resolution.
• Coordinates discharge planning to ensure a timely discharge (placement or return to community) through early identification, assessment and intervention for post-hospital care needs. Patient assessment, plan coordination and changes to the plan occur, as necessary, to ensure that the patient is discharge when medically ready to:

• Other acute hospitals
• Rehabilitative facilities
• Extended care facilities
• Sub acute care
• Psychiatric and chemical dependency care
• Return to home
• Other living arrangements

Actively Participates in Clinical Performance Improvement Activities related to Case Management Services

• Assists in the collection and reporting of financial indicators including LOS, avoidable days, resource utilization, discharge barriers, cost per case, readmission rates, denial and appeals.
• Uses data to drive decisions and plan/implement performance improvement strategies related to case management for assigned patients/units, including financial, clinical, quality and patient satisfaction data.

Other

• Provides graduate level Social Work field supervision for students requiring a field placement.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development and social work CEU requirements by participating in workshops, conferences, and/or in-services.
• Complies with Northwestern Memorial Hospital policies on patient confidentiality including HIPAA requirements and Personal Rules of Conduct.

Required:

• Licensure in Illinois;
  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Master's Degree in Social Work from a school of social work accredited by CSWE.
• Minimum of two years post-graduate experience in hospital Social Work or related settings.
• A high level of interpersonal skills to affect positive outcomes.
• Organizational skills necessary to prioritize and manage an appropriate caseload of patients coupled with performing the Social Worker functions. Self-direction required for daily work.
• Analytical skills necessary to independently collect, analyze, and interpret data, resolve problems requiring innovative solutions and to negotiate in sensitive situations.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position,…