Medical Social Worker I - Social Services

Definition:

Under supervision, plans and implement medical social service delivery programs in clinical service areas; to perform responsible medical social work for patients at Kern Medical and for their families; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Medical Social Worker I is the first level of the Medical Social Worker series.  This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Medical Social Worker II primarily by the amount of direction and assistance they receive in their work.  Incumbents who meet the minimum qualification for Medical Service Worker II are eligible to be considered for promotion on a merit basis subject to recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions:

Dependent upon assignment: 

• Functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling, medical social work, protective services, family services, community organization and research

• Interviews and counsels patients and relatives in order to determine appropriateness of services, to determine extent of social and emotional problems, and to plan for patient’s illness and related problems

• Evaluates problems and makes treatment plans; Provides casework and group work treatment for patients

• Interprets diagnosis and prognoses to patients and their families to insure best adjustment to hospitalization and/or medical condition

• Counsels patients on rehabilitation and employment programs

• Performs assessments and provides information for use in diagnosis and treatment

• Participates in research projects, mental health educational programs, treatment intervention and assist in discharge transition

• Observes effects of current policies and informs supervisor of gaps in the program

• Participates in conferences, meetings and committees

• Cooperates with other agencies to insure adequate resources to assist in the patient's maximum level of functioning and adjustment

• Evaluates patient’s community behavior and assists in determining need for further treatment

• Arranges for follow-up care

• Prepares case records, reports and correspondence

• Develops the cultural competency program in the internal medicine department

• Develops professional interviewing skills for residents of the internal medicine department

• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

Other Functions:

• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Employment Standards: 

Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.      

OPTION 1: Requires an M.S.W as required by state and accrediting agencies. Experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service is desirable.  

OPTION 2:  Requires a Master's degree from an accredited School of Social Work, or a Master's degree in one of the related health sciences, including Counseling and Guidance, Psychology, or Public Health. Experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service is desirable.

OPTION 3:  Requires a Master's degree in Social Work or Social Welfare from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a Master's degree in Psychology or Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and one (1) year of experience in a health care facility, psychiatric clinic, or family counseling service.

Knowledge of:

The principles, procedures, techniques, trends and literature of Social Work; knowledge of social, emotional, behavioral and economic implications of illness, disease, incapacitation and disfigurement; knowledge of modern hospital organization and functions; knowledge of general laws relating to health and welfare; ability to evaluate

information and form logical and sound conclusions; ability to prepare reports and case records; ability to maintain effective and cooperative relationships with professional personnel, patients and community agencies; ability to interview and obtain accurate personal and psycho-social data for records.

Supplemental:

A background check may be required for this classification.

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner. 

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.