Counselor, Patient​/Health Advocate, Healthcare

Responsible for independently delivering professional counseling services to patients with chemical dependency and/or psychiatric issues within a healthcare setting.

• Identifies patients and families with complex psychosocial needs requiring social work intervention, collecting and documenting pertinent information for the healthcare team.
• Assesses patients' medical, social, emotional, financial, spiritual, and support systems through direct contact and other sources, completing assessments within 72 hours of admission.
• Ensures assessments conducted by licensed professionals are signed by a licensed master social worker for approval.
• Develops discharge and care management plans collaboratively, communicating and adjusting based on patient progress.
• Advocates for patients, ensuring understanding of medical care choices and documenting interventions.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams for planning, timely service provision, and discharge planning, including coordinating referrals and discharge teaching.
• Monitors and evaluates social services on inpatient psychiatric units, providing therapeutic counseling to patients.
• Reviews patient progress to ensure care plans align with clinical course and modifies as needed.
• Arranges discharge prescriptions, appointments, and services, ensuring documentation is complete prior to patient departure.
• Promotes positive health outcomes through patient advocacy and support.
• Assists patients and families in understanding and following medical recommendations, restoring social and health adjustment.
• Maintains knowledge of community resources, making appropriate referrals, and evaluates readmission rates and patient satisfaction to improve case management practices.
• Respects confidentiality, patient rights, and ethical standards; possesses knowledge of emergency detention, guardianship, and legal processes.
• Completes insurance authorizations and understands contracted bed processes.
• Documents patient safety issues and complaints, attends meetings and training, and performs other assigned duties.