CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER DEFINITION Under supervision, to perform the full range of clinical social work including discharge planning to infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients and families in a cost effective and quality manner. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a single position class in which the incumbents are experienced, licensed clinical social workers with responsibility for performing the full scope of clinical social work, ranging from average difficulty to very complex.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS A combination of appropriate education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Education Graduation from a recognized college with a Master’s degree in social work Experience Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in an acute care setting KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods applicable to clinical social work Common patient disease processes, and usual methods for treating them.
Community resources; hospital nursing facility organization and the interrelationship of various clinical diagnostic services. Ability to: Interview patients and family members to obtain information about home environment, family relationships, health history, and patient’s personality traits Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, their families, other staff members, and mental health organizations/agencies.
Assess and evaluate patient’s potential for home maintenance, limitations, services needed, and availability of services to fill those needs. Intervene as a crisis counselor in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment. Make referrals to appropriate community resources.
Assist patients and families to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations. Maintain ongoing, supportive counseling with care to patients/families, assisting them with difficulties, and meeting social and emotional needs relevant to advanced illness, death, and bereavement. Consult with and assist in the professional development and supervision of less experienced license clinical social workers and other support staff.
Write reports and correspondence.