Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Integrates social work services with overall hospital care and provides counseling to patients and their families.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work; two years of professional social work experience, one year of which includes experience in a health care setting; current licensure to practice as a Social Worker in the State of Utah; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

Related experience includes counseling with individuals and families, working with community resources, instructing and supervising students and volunteers and conducting social work research.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Directs the clinical work by planning, implementing, coordinating, assigning, and participating in department programs.
2. Development of long term and short term goals as they pertain to specific departments.
3. Counsels and provides supportive resources to patients and families.
4. Supervises employees, volunteers and/or students through performance evaluation, counseling, training, interviewing and recommending the selection of applicants.
5. Some areas of assignment may require the coordination with Mental Health Commitment hearings and determination of newly admitted patients’ mental health status and funding.
6. Administers the program budget in area of assignment.
7. Provides academic instruction and participates in research projects.
8. May arbitrate funding disputes.
9. Participates in hospital committees/meetings, community activities and provides lectures and seminars to community groups.
10. May participate in continuing education programs and remains abreast of advances in psychosocial care of patients and programs.
11. May maintain monthly reports.

Problem Solving

This position has the authority to supervise, establish performance and educational standards for employees, volunteers and/or students. This position also has the authority to develop and manage the department program and resolve problems related to that program.

Challenges encountered by the incumbent may include creating resources; and coordinating patient care with the Division of Mental Health regarding patient referrals, physical arrangements, funding agreements, and other areas to ensure that the needs of the patient are met.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.