Nicu Social Worker

Summary

The Social Worker is a key member of the interdisciplinary team who provides and oversees the provision of psychosocial care for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatrics (Peds) Unit of the hospital. Responsibilities include bio-psychosocial assessments and providing intervention and treatment as indicated. Identifies high-risk psychosocial factors (homelessness, protective services, mental health, substance abuse, etc.) of the patients/families that impact health status and discharge planning and assist hospital staff understand the influence of those factors upon the course of medical care. Partners with the patient, family, healthcare team, and community agencies in the safe transition of care to the next most appropriate level.

Responsibilities

• Provides assessment of patients to evaluate mental health, substance abuse, emotional issues/coping style, understanding of illness/adjustment/compliance, barriers to care, cultural issues, abuse/neglect and domestic violence.

• Provides psychosocial assessment of families to determine family relationships/systems as they relate to care of the patient. Identifies family decision makers and caregivers; family understanding of illness and trajectory of care. Identifies family coping style, family resources and cultural issues.

• Reports suspicions of abuse and neglect to legally mandated authorities for investigation or assessment.

• Employs a range of clinical interventions such as crisis intervention, care coordination, information gathering and referrals. Advocates on behalf of patients and families to gain access to services and resources.

• Coordinates family/team meetings, as needed and when appropriate. Provides psychosocial consultation on patient care planning and patient/family management and community resources.

• Identifies patients' psychosocial, financial, education, psychiatric or substance use that effect patient care management and collaborates with the team to facilitate patient care process.

• Works effectively as part of the interdisciplinary health care team, communicating regularly with the team and other members on cases and as issues arise. Participates in formal and informal clinical case reviews, clinical supervision, educational seminars and research projects.

• Documents timely and relevant information.

• Maintains a current working knowledge of network services and promotes utilization of such services.

Requirements

• Must possess a degree in Social Work

• MSW with 2 years postgraduate experience in health care setting preferred

• Must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners at the LMSW level. LCSW-C preferred.

Mercy Health Services is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) recruiting talent for Mercy Health Services, which serves the greater Baltimore Metro and surrounding Maryland areas.