Mental Health Associate

Overview

The Behavioral Health Social Worker, a licensed Master's or Bachelor's prepared health care professional, is responsible for the delivery of specific departmental services and for carrying out the philosophy and objectives established by Administration and the Board of Directors. Foremost among these responsibilities are the following: 1) finding appropriate discharge services including placement; 2) delivery of competent and timely professional services that are in accordance with overall institutional goals and policies and social work ethical commitments; 3) the process of assisting in alleviating social and environmental problems; and 4) participation in the development of professional team objectives.

St. Luke's C.A.R.E. delivery model (Continuity, Accountability, Relationship-based, Evidence-based) reflects a commitment to compassionate, competent care delivered by the interdisciplinary team. Care is provided through a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family. A spirit of inquiry is encouraged and supported. Evidence-driven protocols are utilized to assure reliable and consistent care.

The Social Worker reports to the Administrative Director of Behavioral Health Services, who in turn reports to the Vice President of Operations.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture

• At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.

• Benefits

• Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment

• We're committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Development

• We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.

• Community Involvement

• Be an essential part of our core purpose-to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org .

Responsibilities

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Essential functions are the duties and responsibilities that are essential to the position (not a task list). Do not include if less than 5% of work time is spent on this duty. Be specific without giving explicit instructions on how to perform the task. Do not include duties that are to be performed in the future. Duties should be action oriented and avoid vague or general statements.

% of Time

(annually)

Key Accountabilities

• The associate is aware of hospital and department compliance for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.

• Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital's commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.

• Successfully completes hospital-wide orientation, annual hospital competencies and department/unit specific competencies.

• For the safety of our patients and co-workers, St. Luke's Hospital requires seasonal and job related vaccinations. This is reviewed regularly during periodic health assessments.

• Ensures that social and emotional needs of individuals or groups are met through counseling in collaboration with patients and health professionals.

• Demonstrates advanced social work knowledge and competency.

• Provides direct services for patients/families exhibiting psychosocial needs.

• Collaborates with hospital staff to complete social history/assessment information as needed.

• Documents meaningful, concise and timely clinical notes, social histories/assessments, and discharge planning notes.

• Participates with hospital staff on an interdisciplinary and professional basis and assists in planning, implementing and evaluating a patient's plan of care.

• Maintains quality of care related to the hospital's expectation for quality discharge planning services.

• Assesses patient/family discharge needs upon referral or by case finding.

• Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessments relevant to the hospital treatment services.

• Collaborates with the care coordinator in determining who will refer patients/families to the appropriate health care professionals and/or community agencies outside the hospital.

• Continually expands own knowledge and other staff on current resources available.

• Clearly communicates discharge planning concerns in a timely manner.

• Documents patient discharge plan in a centralized area in the electronic medical record.

• Provides services and care consistent with the hospital's Standards of Excellence, which enhances the hospital environment and image.

• Facilitates cooperative formal and informal working relationships with other departments and medical staff.

• Facilitates resolution of intra, interdepartmental and medical staff conflicts.

• Ensures patient, family, and visitor satisfaction with services provided.

• Ensures that written/verbal representation of programs and services are consistent with desired hospital standards.

• Participates in performance improvement activities and assists in identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Communication and Handoffs

• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, healthcare team members and other customers. Verbal communication is clear and precise. Written communication is done in a timely manner using approved abbreviations.

• Computer documentation is done in accordance with hospital and department policies.

• A critical component of our C.A.R.E. Model is the relationship between the patient and the caregiver. That relationship is built by time, communication and demonstrating compassion. "Take 5" (taking 5 minutes) is used to make a personal connection with the patient/family to provide the care you would want your loved ones to receive. The connection adheres to all Standards of Excellence.

• Handoffs are done with attention to detail and with safety as a high priority. Tools such as SBAR are consistently utilized to assure that critical information is clearly communicated, shared and updated with each handoff. SBAR handoffs are utilized to communicate patient treatment and assessment information, patient education needs, goals of care and other quality measures.

• Ensures continuity of care with internal patient transfers through verbal report from Patient Care Coordinator to Social Worker and verbal or written report from to Social Worker to Social Worker.

• Facilitates patient and family conferences, as appropriate.

• Supports evidence based clinical practice and questions the rationale and scientific basis for clinical practice and/or changes in practice

• Complies with changes in clinical practice and standards

• Participates in data collection when the opportunity is presented.

• Supports/participates in interpretation of clinical literature and uses to validate and/or change clinical practice.

• Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player

• Assesses and provides for educational opportunities for patients, families, and other healthcare team members based on adult teaching-learning concepts and health literacy principles.

• Integrates patient/family teaching throughout the hospitalization.

• Assists in the orientation of new associates by acting as a resource or by being a mentor to associates.

• Provides professional leadership through compliance with established department routines, policies and procedures.

• Assists in creating a positive work environment that contributes to safety and positive clinical outcomes. Supports recruitment and retention of staff to ensure an adequate workforce for clinical care.

• Establishes professional competence through the processes of continuing education, clinical reporting and inservices.

• Evidences ability to apply professional judgement when working with patients and families.

• Possesses an acceptable knowledge of professional terms and concepts.

• Prepares meaningful, concise and timely clinical reports.

• Exhibits familiarity with current professional literature.

• Accepts responsibility for in-servicing colleagues, affiliating students, and others.

• Participates in mandatory education and staff meetings, per established guidelines.

• Encouraged to make and support improvement in department and hospital practices through participation in shared governance and performance improvement activities at the department and hospital wide level.

• Complies with established safety goals, infection prevention and risk management policies and procedures.

• Maintains and promotes a professional philosophy of community involvement by participation in

professional community activities.

• Attends and/or conducts educational offerings.

• Speaks to hospital and community groups.

• Participates in health related activities and groups.

• Reviews reports and adjusts practices in the social service area in order to meet necessary regulatory and

legal standards.

• Assists with the planning and monitoring of performance improvement activities ensuring any necessary corrective action and activities assigned.

• Assists in effectively preparing and complying with voluntary accreditation (Joint Commission) as accepted by the hospital and with federal and state laws and regulations.

• Performs other duties as deemed necessary to meet the hospital's mission, "to give the healthcare we'd like our loved ones to receive."

Basic UPH Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.

• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.

• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.

• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.

• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.

• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

10%

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Demonstration of UPH Values and Standards of Behaviors

Consistently demonstrates UnityPoint Health's values in the performance of job duties and responsibilities

Foster Unity:

• Leverage the skills and abilities of each person to enable great teams.

• Collaborate across departments, facilities, business units and regions.

• Seek to understand and are open to diverse thoughts and perspectives.

Own The Moment:

• Connect with each person treating them with courtesy, compassion, empathy and respect

• Enthusiastically engage in our work.

• Accountable for our individual actions and our team performance.

• Responsible for solving problems regardless of the origin.

Champion Excellence:

• Commit to the best outcomes and highest quality.

• Have a relentless focus on exceeding expectations.

• Believe in sharing our results, learning from our mistakes and celebrating our successes.

Seize Opportunities:

• Embrace and promote innovation and transformation.

• Create partnerships that improve care delivery in our communities.

• Have the courage to challenge the status quo.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Identify items that are minimally required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred or Specialized

Not required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education:

Master of Social Work preferred or Bachelor with equivalent experience.

Experience:

The Social Worker must have graduated from an accredited school of social work.

License(s)/Certification(s):

Possesses an Iowa Social Work license, an LBSW, LMSW, or LISW.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.

Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email and web browser.

Demonstrate skill, organization, and efficiency in performing tasks.

Understands the concepts of discharge planning, levels of care, payment systems and insurance requirements.

May participate in appropriate professional organizations.

Other:

Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

• Area of Interest: Behavioral Health Services;

• FTE/Hours per pay period: 1.0;

• Department: Behavioral Administration;

• Shift: Monday thru Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM;

• Job ID: 144367;