Coordinates clinical patient services and provides efficient resource utilization to assure optimal clinical quality outcomes by assessing, planning, and implementing patient care plans, including family psychosocial and discharge planning needs. Serves as a liaison with community resources. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.Works under the general direction of a departmental director, departmental supervisor, or designee who reviews work primarily through conferences and reports. Position requires a self-directed approach to performing responsibilities and duties. May supervise other professional social work staff, such as master and bachelor social work interns and volunteer staff.

Responsibilities

Identifies patients for case management through screening mechanisms who are at risk for lengthy inpatient days, complex physiologic needs, or repeat admissions due to chronic illness.

Assesses patient and family psychosocial and environmental needs, including coping mechanisms assessing effectiveness on compliance with plan of care and desired outcomes.

Makes referrals to appropriate health team members or community agencies to provide assistance as necessary. Works collaboratively with physicians and others to achieve desired outcomes.

Identifies potential or actual patient/family issues with require referrals for financial counseling, legal representation, and risk management.

Assists patient/family and other health care members to identify potential ethical issues and propose resolutions. Assures informed choice options are communicated to patient/family.

Maintains current understanding of payer/reimbursement practices and regulations which may impact patient's plan of care.

Maintains awareness of available community resources including home health agencies, nursing homes, and other alternative care providers. Provides options to patients and families as necessary.

Facilitates discharge planning process and works collaboratively with Nurse Case Manager and others to coordinate and set up required services for post hospitalization needs.

Identifies psychosocial learning needs of patients and families in conjunction with other health care team members. Facilitates development of teaching plans to positively affect patient outcomes.

Collaborates regularly with Nurse Case Managers and others to facilitate the interdisciplinary care of patients.

Identifies operational bottlenecks and issues, which impact efficient delivery of care. Assists in development of plans to improve or resolve issues.

Identifies process improvement opportunities and collaborates with development of quality improvement plans and promotes resolution.

Completes all required documentation thoroughly and accurately within established time frame as established by department.

Demonstrates self-directed commitment to professional growth.

Serves as role model demonstrating high level of knowledge regarding case management, continuum of care services, resource utilization, assisting with staff learning needs.

Provides counseling/support to patients/families to assist with resolution of psychosocial reactions to illness, crisis and hospitalization.

Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react effectively and treat (if appropriate) unique needs of patient age groups served.

Performs other related duties as required. Utilizes new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Social Work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

One (1) year of post graduate experience as a social worker.

- Two full semesters of Social Work Case Management internship work with Hurley Medical Center would substitute for one (1) year of post graduate experience. - Prior relevant Social Work experience may be considered.

One (1) year of post graduate experience as a social worker in an acute care facility preferred.

Current knowledge of governing regulations, third party payor utilization, quality mandates, reimbursement requirements and standards associated with medical case management.

Ability to work independently, set priorities and organize work while maintaining flexibility.

Ability to effectively function under pressure and during stressful situations.

Ability to compile, analyze, and evaluate data and prepare accurate reports from such data.

Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written modes.

Ability to walk from unit to unit.

Ability to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with patients and their families, physicians and staff, external agencies and the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Licensed as a Social Worker through the State of Michigan.