Social Worker - UPMC Washington

Join Our Team as a Social Worker at UPMC Washington!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you have a knack for navigating the complexities of healthcare with empathy and a smile? We’re looking for a dynamic and compassionate Social Worker to join our team! As a vital part of our healthcare family, you’ll be the guiding light for patients and their families, helping them through their hospital journey with care and support. If you’re ready to bring your heart and expertise to our hospital, we can’t wait to meet you!

This position will work mainly as a Medical Social Worker covering both medical and behavioral health within the Emergency Department.

This position offers a generous sign-on bonus up to $6,000 for a 2 year commitment!!**

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates expertise in accessing social systems by providing resource-specific information to patients and families, initiating contact with appropriate resources and facilitating the patient / family’s ability to accept referrals.

• Successfully utilize therapeutic counseling methods such as crisis intervention, psychosocial support, brief goal-directed therapy, CISM and/or other appropriate therapeutic methods that may be appropriate to the clinical situation.

• Provides accurate, timely and appropriate documentation of all social work interventions in the medical record per regulatory policies and procedures.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of reimbursement systems, the ability to educate patients and families regarding payer requirements / coverage for post-acute care services and the ability to effectively advocate on behalf of the patient to obtain authorizations for continued care as appropriate.

• Demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, counsel and effectively intervene with medically and psychosocially complex patients with the ability to understand complex dynamics related to the clinical situation.

• Continue to monitor and evaluate the plan of care, options and available services throughout the hospital stay to effectively meet the patient and family’s need.

• Educate and advocate for patients and families to enhance their ability to make informed decisions regarding medical care, discharge planning, advance directives and end of life care including actively participating in the guardianship process when appropriate.

• Complete a psychosocial assessment that includes social, economic, cultural, age-related and behavioral factors, history of child, elder or domestic abuse, prior psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, family and social support systems and all other available resources as appropriate to the clinical situation.

Preferred Experience: Prior hospital experience is a plus!

Schedule: This position primarily follows a Monday–Friday schedule, with shifts typically running from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This team member will work six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift over a two-week period. Weekend coverage is rotational, generally requiring availability for one to two weekends per month. Holiday coverage may also be required based on operational needs.