Medical Social Worker

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Provides intensive psychosocial counseling and referrals to patients and family members with chronic health problems and/or diseases.

An employee in this class is responsible for providing psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing counseling and treatment services for citizens seeking medical care including referrals to other community resources as needed. Work is performed within the medical setting (office setting), home visits, and via telephone. Emphasis of the work is on providing directed counseling and psychosocial support for patients and families experiencing and/or managing medical health issues such as HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, and other health issues.

An additional role may be to serve as an advocate on behalf of patients by collaborating with a medical multidisciplinary team within the department and community as well. Job functions also include interpreting medical information, conducting home visits, providing individual, family, and group therapy, crisis intervention, and education of clients. Work is performed under the general direction of a clinical or administrative supervisor and is evaluated on the basis of attainment of stated performance objectives, periodic conferences with the employee, review of reports of activities, and consultation with other medical personnel with whom the employee interacts.