Social Worker - IMFH - Fetal Care Center

Within the Institute for Maternal Fetal Health (IMFH), the Nemours Fetal Care Center (NFCC) and Advanced Delivery Unit are expanding the scope of service to include comprehensive prenatal, obstetrical, and postpartum care for women whose unborn child has been diagnosed with a birth defect or complex medical condition requiring immediate multidisciplinary pediatric care during the neonatal period. In addition to currently available prenatal imaging used to diagnose these conditions, IMFH is expanding services to include invasive diagnostics and fetal intervention procedures, ranging from minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures to open maternal-fetal surgeries.

Care counseling in this setting also includes complex care consultation and planning, including, but not limited to, the option of perinatal palliative care in cases involving life-limiting fetal or neonatal conditions. The IMFH Psychosocial Support Program is being developed to support the mental health and wellness of expectant parents and families who face significant risks of trauma, mood disorders, and challenges in coping with ongoing stress associated with a fetal diagnosis.

The IMFH Social Worker is a key member of the Psychosocial Support Program within the Nemours Institute for Maternal Fetal Health (IMFH). Serving in both the outpatient Fetal Care Center and the inpatient Advanced Delivery Unit, this role is responsible for providing advanced social services as part of a specialized interdisciplinary team. Primary responsibilities include conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments within the perinatal setting, providing crisis intervention services, promoting healthy coping strategies, and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) through resource provision and the facilitation of appropriate psychosocial referrals.

The IMFH Social Worker serves as a champion for perinatal mental health screening by utilizing a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) approach. This includes screening for psychosocial and behavioral health concerns, delivering brief interventions that promote coping and adjustment, and facilitating timely referrals to treatment and supportive services when indicated. With leadership approval, the Social Worker may also facilitate patient and caregiver peer-support groups and group-based educational programming.

These activities are distinct from individual, family, couples, or group psychotherapy services.

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive social work services to patients and their families in accordance with the job responsibilities outlined in this document. Core responsibilities include:

• Conducting perinatal psychosocial assessments and supporting patient and family coping skills and medical decision-making.
• Utilizing an SBIRT model of care to champion universal perinatal mental health screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment and supportive services.
• Connecting patients and families with community resources to address SDOH needs.
• Providing crisis intervention and protective services, including the assessment of child abuse and neglect.

The associate is expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect at all times and adhere to all Psychosocial Support Program policies, workflows, standards, and operational expectations. All services are provided in accordance with local and federal laws, as well as the policies, procedures, and guidelines established by Nemours Children's Hospital and the Nemours Institute for Maternal Fetal Health.