Medical Social Worker - St. Andrew's Nursing Home North

Job Summary

The Medical Social Worker serves as the primary point of contact for patients and their families, providing counseling, social work intervention, and practical assistance to address personal, social, emotional, and financial challenges arising from illness. Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary healthcare team, the MSW supports patients and caregivers to improve overall wellbeing and continuity of care.

Patient & Family Support

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of patients and families to identify social, emotional, and financial needs.

• Provide counseling and casework intervention to help patients and families cope with illness‑related challenges.

• Screen the social background of all new applicants and identify cases requiring financial and/or social assistance.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement holistic care plans.

• Participate actively in patient care conferences and family conferences.

• Liaise with internal and external service providers, including public assistance schemes, home care services, rehabilitation providers, and community resources.

Financial Assistance & Resource Mobilisation

• Apply for Medifund assistance and other relevant financial aid schemes.

• Source financial support for patients who are unable to afford nursing home or long‑term care services.

• Liaise with government agencies, voluntary welfare organisations, and community partners (including religious organisations where appropriate) to meet patients’ needs.

Programme & Activity Development

• Plan and conduct social and engagement activities for nursing home residents.

• Initiate and develop new support services for ex‑patients and caregivers.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely computerized case records and statistics, including complex cases such as family‑rejected or caregiver burn‑out situations.

• Prepare social work and related reports for management and external agencies upon request by the ED or Principal MSW.

Field Work

• Conduct field visits to hospital wards, workplaces, institutions, and community agencies as part of case management and follow‑up.

Professional Practice

• Remain updated on government healthcare policies, social service schemes, and best practices in medical social work.

• Assist in the allocation and coordination of work within the department.

• Supervise, coach, and conduct performance appraisals for the department’s Administrative Assistant.

• Participate in the training and orientation of new staff and volunteers.

• Contribute to internal and external committees, work groups, and research projects as directed by the Senior MSW or Executive Director.

• Provide coverage for other Medical Social Workers (MSW/MSWA) during their absence when required.

• Degree in Social Work from a recognised institution.

• 2–4 years of relevant working experience in medical social work, healthcare, or community‑based social services.

• Registered or eligible for registration with the relevant professional body (where applicable).

• Strong casework and counseling skills, with the ability to manage complex psychosocial and financial cases.

• Good knowledge of healthcare systems, community resources, and government assistance schemes.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to patients and families from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong assessment, problem‑solving, and advocacy skills.

• Good documentation and report‑writing skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Emotionally resilient, empathetic, and able to manage challenging situations professionally.