Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health Clinical Social Worker

Position: Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health Clinical Social Worker

Department: Pediatric Social Work

Schedule: Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Utilizing clinical social work techniques and theory, consults on, assesses, and intervenes with high-risk patients and their families regarding the impact/amelioration of emotional and social problems. Duties also include, but are not limited to, conducting psychosocial assessments, making a psychosocial diagnosis, planning and implementing effective treatments, evaluation, education, supervision, coaching and mentoring of the patient (client) and family members. The position consults with, collaborates and communicates with a wide range of social, governmental and legal agencies, courts, schools, clinics, other hospitals, physicians and other sources in the overall care of the patient.

This position will be 100% within the Behavioral Health team in the Department of Pediatrics and will report to the Program Manager for Pedi IBH. The Integrated Behavioral Health team provides assessment/diagnosis, crisis intervention, and short-term therapy to primary care patients of the BMC Pediatric and Adolescent clinic. The IBH social workers collaborate closely with medical providers, the department of psychiatry, and external collaterals to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of behavioral health care. Coverage entails a combination of both in the moment response to clinic as well as scheduled patients. At this time services are being provided both in person and via telehealth.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Assesses patient and family to ascertain those emotional and social problems. Utilizes the department's psychosocial assessment tool as a guideline.

• Identifies those issues which must be addressed during the patient's care and formulates plan.

• Reports any and all suspected cases of abuse and neglect and follows up to ensure patient receives timely comprehensive consultations and compliance with legal mandates.

• Identifies need to involve patient's family through the initial assessment process and attempts contact on same day, if indicated.

• Consults and collaborates with healthcare team members to ensure that patient's emotional and socialneeds are addressed.

• Provides for psychotherapeutic treatment and/or psychosocial support to patient and family to reduce the impact of identified problems.

• Ensures that inpatient and family remain apprised, involved, supported and treated through prescribed clinical relationship through at least weekly contacts and whenever a change in care or plan requires more contact.

• Begins assessment for an inpatient within 24 hours of referral and completes within two interviews or within seven working days of referral. Begins assessment for an outpatient as soon as patient permits and completes within two interviews. Completes assessment for an Emergency Department patient within four hours of discharge.

• Maintains patient confidentiality according to hospital policy. Practices professional discretion when determining the inclusion of any patient information into medical record or department clinical record notes.

• Notes in medical record the exclusion of critical patient information and its availability.

• Documents each patient encounter in the medical record or the Department clinical record concurrently according to Department policies. Specifically, documents ongoing treatment work in the Department clinic records. Each recording shall include date, time, title and signature.

• Assists management in the operation of a quality department by participating in department programs and complying with department policies and procedures.

• Supports graduate and undergraduate training programs by supervising MSW and BSW students (per assignment).

• Identifies weaknesses in operation and recommends improvements.

• Represents department throughout hospital and outside community regarding department's practice and field of social work.

• Notifies supervisor when patients in age group not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Requires Master's Degree from an accredited school of Social Work by start date

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Prefers a Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker or eligible status (i.e., has master's degree)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires level of knowledge of Social Work process and community resources and agencies in relation to health, illness, and disability, generally acquired through one to two years on-the-job training.

• Obtains continuing education units necessary to maintain licensure.

• Requires the analytical abilities necessary to assess patient needs, develop associated treatment modalities, and provide effective counseling.

• Knowledge of community resources and agencies that serve the children and families.

• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals, to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and to supervise graduate students.

• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is valued).

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations. Bicultural/Bilingual competency a plus.

• Computer literacy with ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet programs and e-mail (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans