Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Worker Communicates with patients and their families to ensure every effort is directed toward helping them develop an adequate continuing care plan in preparation for discharge from the hospital. Assists patients and their families in resolving personal and environmental difficulties which predispose an individual to illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care. The Medical Social Worker must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide information and care to the following age groups: newborn, infant, toddler/preschool, school age, adolescent, adult, and seniors. He or she must demonstrate knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span of the patient and communicate/instruct patients and family members appropriately. He or she must possess the ability to assess and interpret data reflective of the patient’s status, requirements, and age specific needs and adjust care and instruction consistent with the patient’s developmental level and Hospital policies and procedures. Documentation will be consistent with Hospital, Departmental and professional standards for Social Work. The Medical Social Worker separately or in collaboration with the Case Manager RN develops post-acute care plans with those patients having personal, social or environmental barriers to optimal wellness and successful post-acute recovery.