REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

**BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR MASTER'S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK FROM A SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ACCREDITED BY THE COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION IS REQUIRED.

**PENNSYLVANIA PROFESSIONAL LICENSE TO PRACTICE SOCIAL WORK IS REQUIRED.

Under the direction of the Director of Medical Social Work, the Medical Social Worker aids patients and their families with personal and environmental difficulties which predispose illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.

The Medical Social Worker must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served by his/her department – adolescent through geriatric.  The Medical Social Worker must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs; and to provide the care needed as described in the Medical Social Work Department's policies and procedures.

Type of supervision exercised: none.  Jobs reporting to this position: none.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Social Work from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is required.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of experience in a Social Work Department health care setting is required.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

PA license to practice Social Work is required.

Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills are required for effective communication with patients, families, staff, physicians, and outside agencies.

Must have strong understanding of family dynamics and individuals as they relate to illness and disability.

Must demonstrate an understanding of the medical and emotional problems of the physically disabled through the use of Human Relations and proven theories of Social Work practice.

Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide individualized care appropriate to the age specific need and culture of the patient served.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sedentary Work_:_ duties require exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move articles such as files.

Involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

Ability to transport self throughout facility is required.

ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:

No unusual accident or health hazards inherent in position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in well-lit office environment and other hospital departments (Nursing, OT, PT, etc.).

Required Skills

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element                        NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Interviews patients and family members, utilizing proper | | interviewing principles and methods. Conducts individual or group | | conferences for patients/families.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Evaluates data and plans care management strategies on behalf of | | patients. Follows medical recommendations and provides service planned | | to restore patients to optimal social and health adjustment.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Participates with other members of the interdisciplinary team on | | resolving problems which relate to the patient's disability.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Advises on social problems and coordinates patient discharge from | | the facility. Utilizes community agencies and resources.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 8%  Participates in conferences on behalf of patients.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Performs the duties of Patient Advocate.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Provides social work services to outpatients as required.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Participates in educational programs.  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Attends committee meetings (i.e., UR, CVA Unit, SCI Program)  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Required Experience

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element                        NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Interviews patients and family members, utilizing proper | | interviewing principles and methods. Conducts individual or group | | conferences for patients/families.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Evaluates data and plans care management strategies on behalf of | | patients. Follows medical recommendations and provides service planned | | to restore patients to optimal social and health adjustment.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Participates with other members of the interdisciplinary team on | | resolving problems which relate to the patient's disability.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Advises on social problems and coordinates patient discharge from | | the facility. Utilizes community agencies and resources.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 8%  Participates in conferences on behalf of patients.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Performs the duties of Patient Advocate.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Provides social work services to outpatients as required.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Participates in educational programs.  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Attends committee meetings (i.e., UR, CVA Unit, SCI Program)  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+