Social Worker - Behavioral Health

Description

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Summary:

UNC Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Social Worker to support high length of stay and high volume behavioral health patients. The Social Worker is a crucial member of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive support and services to patients and their families. They are responsible for conducting assessments, supporting patient‑centered care plans, facilitating resources, monitoring progress, advocating for patients, actively listening to their concerns, respecting individuality, building trust, performing risk segmentation, carrying out delegated work, coordinating care, and communicating with payers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Dedicated social worker for Psychiatry in the emergency department and inpatient units
• Participate in daily psychiatry rounds and treatment planning
• Complete psychosocial assessments for all behavioral health admissions from the emergency department
• Identify placement and discharge barriers at admission
• Coordinate psychiatric placement (inpatient psych, residential, crisis stabilization)
• Maintain active communication with psychiatric facilities regarding bed availability
• Manage and track referrals; ensure documentation meets placement requirements
• Partner with Psychiatry to determine appropriate level of care
• Escalate placement delays for rapid resolution
• Daily communication with emergency department and inpatient teams on placement status
• Reduce emergency boarding and behavioral health LOS
• Track placement turnaround times and root causes of delays
• Build relationships with community behavioral health providers

Essential Functions:

• Assessments:
  Conduct thorough assessments of patients' mental, emotional, and social well‑being to evaluate their needs and identify any barriers to their overall functioning. This includes assessing their support systems, coping mechanisms, mental health conditions, and psychosocial factors.
• Patient‑Centered Care Plans:
  Collaborate with providers, patients, their families, and the healthcare team on individualized care plans that align with patients' goals, preferences, and values. Resource Facilitation:
  Connect patients and their families with community resources, mental health services, support groups, and other relevant programs. This includes assisting with referrals for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and coordinating care with other providers.
• Progress Monitoring & Evaluation:
  Continuously monitor and evaluate the progress of patients' care plans to assess their response to interventions, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments. Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate care progression, follow‑up and continuity of care.
• Advocacy:
  Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system and the community. This involves ensuring access to appropriate treatment, facilitating communication between patients and their healthcare team, and addressing any barriers or concerns that may impact the patient’s well‑being.
• Active Listening:
  Engage in active listening to understand patients’ experiences, concerns, and emotions. Provide a safe and non‑judgmental space for patients to express themselves and offer empathy, validation, and support.
• Respect for Individuality:
  Recognize and respect the unique values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of each patient. Tailor interventions and support to align with their individual needs and preferences, taking into account their cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.
• Building Trust:
  Build trust‑based relationships with patients and their families by demonstrating empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism. Foster open communication, collaboration, and a therapeutic alliance.
• Risk Segmentation:
  Utilize risk segmentation strategies to identify patients who may require additional support or interventions based on their medical, psychological, and social risk factors. This helps prioritize resources and interventions for those who need them most.
• Tasks or Interventions:
  Carry out specific tasks or…