Social Worker MSW at Tufts Medicine Integrated Network

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and can provide services if necessary.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Social Work duties: Provides social work assistance to patients and families relating to illness, disease, hospitalization and life events in all areas of service as a member of multi-disciplinary team and in liaison with community resources.  Responsibilities also include identification, assessment, and coordination of cases and anticipation of needs related to illness, hospitalization, finances, education, and home/community service.  A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices. 

Job Overview 

This position assesses selected cases within a defined patient population to evaluate for potential psychosocial barriers to quality patient outcomes and timely, safe and appropriate discharges. The Social worker intervenes in situations where the treatment plan can be significantly impacted by providing the patient/family with support and counseling regarding social, emotional and/or financial issues. The Social Worker is a mandatory reporter in suspected cases of abuse or neglect. 

Our Integrated Network brings together a diversity of experienced private practice and employed physicians as well as community and academic providers. While we are one unified network, we focus on different geographic regions, with local care teams convening to ensure healthy, happy neighborhoods throughout the greater Boston region.

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Masters of Social Work (MSW) 

2. One (1) year of related experience in the field of Social Work. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Three (3) years of related experience in the field of Social Work. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Identifies specific physical, emotional, educational and cultural needs of patients and completes an assessment. 

2. Utilizes assessment skills to continually gather information about the health, psychosocial status and discharge needs of the individual and family. 

3. Collaborates with physician, healthcare team and the patient/family in developing a Plan of Care and documents accordingly. 

4. Regularly perceives potential problem situations and intervenes to offset adverse impact, demonstrates proactive attitude. 

5. Identifies appropriate resources and other agencies within the health care delivery system and makes referrals as needed. 

6. Utilizes established protocols and collaborates with health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes. 

7. Assists hospital staff dealing with cases of abuse and neglect and report cases to appropriate agencies/authorities. 

8. Implements the discharge plan in collaboration with the patient’s physician, case manager and other providers. 

9. Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patients to the appropriate person (i.e., physicians, clinical manager, or charge nurse) and records those observations accurately and concisely. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Normal office setting. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. 

2. Knowledge of casework process and community resources in relation to health (including mental health), illness, and disability. 

3. Knowledge of current social work theory and practice, the ability to apply treatment and case management methods, and familiarity with community issues and resources. 

4. Understanding of organizational theory and practice in large systems and the knowledge of social and health care policies and systems. 

5. High degree of diagnostic, treatment, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. 

6. Analytical skills required assessing patient needs, to develop associated treatment modalities and to provide effective counseling. 

7. Computer skills and knowledge of general office programs, spreadsheet programs, database programs, and presentation programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). 

8. Ability to read/write and communicate in English.  

9. Excellent interpersonal skills. 

10. Ability to function well in very busy situations. 

11. Responsible and reliable. 

12. Good organization skills.