Medical Social Worker

As a member of a health care team, the Social Worker provides appropriate intervention services to patients and/or clients as well as their families. Work typically involves assessment of the patient and family needs and concerns related to the impact and understanding of illness and treatment options, providing emotional support, and development of a plan of services, including advocacy, referrals and practical assistance necessary to accomplish desired objectives. Provides consultation, orientation and training to health care staff on the effects of cultural and economic issues on the management of patient/client health needs.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Employees must abide by Stanford Children’s Health guidelines including but not limited to PCARES, sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patients’ rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with Stanford Children’s Health policies, licensure and health screenings.

•Collaborates with health care teams to treat and plan for the social and medical needs of patients by consulting with providers and making referrals. Devises, develops and implements treatment plans as necessary.

•Conducts assessment of patients to evaluate social, emotional and physical needs by applying social work theories and techniques; interviews and evaluates patients and family members. Identifies factors which may interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from treatment.

•Develops and implements patient management plans, including the coordination of referrals to specialty and social services, the recording of progress notes and the provision of continuity of care. Helps patients and families cope with environmental and psychological issues of illness by explaining options and treatments as well as making appropriate referrals.

•Prepares and maintains records and makes written and oral reports to document case activity concerning overall patient care in accordance with department and/or organizational policies and procedures.

•Participates in monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care.

•Provides supportive care to assist patients and families in coping with presenting symptoms and problems such as, for example, coping with illness, accepting medical recommendations, and loss of function. Provides education to patients and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient's diagnosis, illness, treatment and/or life situation.

•Performs other duties as assigned.