Social Worker-Emergency Department

The Medical Social Worker, a Master’s or Bachelor’s prepared health care professional, is responsible for the delivery of specific departmental services and for carrying out the philosophy and objectives established by Administration and the Board of Directors. Foremost among these responsibilities are the following: l) delivery of competent and timely professional services that are in accordance with overall institutional goals and policies and social work ethical commitments; 2) the process of assisting in alleviating social and environmental problems; and 3) participation in the development of professional team objectives.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience  a culture  guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits – Our competitive  Total Rewards  program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and  development opportunities  is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at  https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org .

• Ensures that social and emotional needs of individuals or groups are met through counseling in collaboration with patients and health professionals.
• Demonstrates advanced social work knowledge and competency.
• Provides direct services for patients/families exhibiting psychosocial needs.
• Collaborates with hospital staff to complete social history/assessment information as needed.
• Participates with hospital staff on an interdisciplinary and professional basis and assists in planning, implementing and evaluating a patient’s plan of care.
• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.
• Assesses and provides for educational opportunities for patients, families, and other healthcare team members based on adult teaching-learning concepts and health literacy principles.

• Maintains quality of care related to the hospital’s expectation for quality discharge planning services.
• Assesses patient/family discharge needs upon referral or by case finding.
• Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessments relevant to the hospital treatment services.
• Continually expands own knowledge and other staff on current resources available.
• Clearly communicates discharge planning concerns in a timely manner.
• Documents patient discharge plan in a centralized area in the electronic medical record.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, healthcare team members and other customers. Verbal communication is clear and precise. Written communication is done in a timely manner using approved abbreviations.
• Handoffs are done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority.
• Ensures continuity of care with internal patient transfers through verbal report from Patient Care Coordinator to Social Worker and verbal or written report from to Social Worker to Social Worker.

• Provides professional leadership through compliance with established department routines, policies and procedures.
• Assists in creating a positive work environment that contributes to safety and positive clinical outcomes. Supports recruitment and retention of staff to ensure an adequate workforce for clinical care.
• Establishes professional competence through the processes of continuing education, clinical reporting and in-services.
• Evidences ability to apply professional judgement when working with patients and families.
• Reviews reports and adjusts practices in the social service area in order to meet necessary regulatory and legal standards.

• Master of Social Work preferred or Bachelor with equivalent experience.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• The Social Worker must have graduated from an accredited school of social work.
• Understands the concepts of discharge planning, levels of care, payment systems and insurance requirements.
• May participate in appropriate professional organizations
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.