Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Interviews and provides an initial comprehensive socio-psychological evaluation of the patient and family.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field plus two years of clinical experience in a hospital or clinic preferably in mental health related services or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required, licensed as a Social Service Worker in the State of Utah required; Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card or obtain one within one month of hire; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Experience with clients that have developmental disabilities is preferred.

This position is responsible for providing care to the following patient populations (please check as appropriate):

Newborn____Infant/Ped__X__Adolescent__X _Adult__X _Geriatric____All____No Patient Care____

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. 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. Develops and coordinates patient treatment plans.
2. Provides information to patients and families regarding available options for patients with disabilities.
3. Interprets social, psychological, emotional and family problems to attending physicians and other patient care team members.
4. Provides emotional support for clients, families and providers.
5. Acts as a resource person and educator in the area of community education.
6. Records and documents patient information including producing reports and planning treatment time.
7. Assists the medical staff with clinical duties such as triaging phone calls and welcoming scheduled patients.
8. Identifies resources for clinical staff in coordinating patient services beyond the scope of the clinic services.
9. Serves as a liaison with state agencies, providers, families and community resources for the patient population.
10. Completes intake survey questionnaires prior to scheduled appointments with the clinician.

Problem Solving

This position serves as a primary contact for clinic phone calls. The incumbent transcribes and communicates with the treating clinician pertinent patient information to assure appropriate care is provided for patients. The Social Service Worker is the “right hand” to the treating clinician in assuring that the treatment plan recommendations are followed through appropriately. The position is the key contact for families and patients in relation to concerns or needs in seeing the clinician. The position assists with the triage of importance on having patients seen in the clinic or to provide follow up by phone with recommendations from the treating clinician. The incumbent works with the clinical team in reviewing clinical treatment plans to assure continuity of care. The Social Service Worker directs patient referrals based on the treating clinician’s recommendations.

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.