DEFINITION:

This individual is responsible for evaluating the social and emotional needs of the patient related to his/ her medical condition under the orders of a physician. The social worker shall not provide clinical counseling to patients or caregivers unless licensed pursuant to Chapter 491, F.S.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Reports to the Director of Nursing regarding Agency matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A person who has a master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and has 1 year of social work experience in a health care setting. (Federal Regulation)

Must have graduated from an accredited school of social work and have one year experience in social services. Must be licensed under Chapter 491, F.S. (Florida State Regulation)

If the agency furnishes medical social services, those services are given by a qualified social worker or by a qualified social work assistant under the supervision of a qualified social worker, and in accordance with the physician’s plan of care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Assists the physician and other members of the health team in understanding significant social and emotional factors regarding health  problems;

• Assesses the social and emotional factors in order to estimate the patient’s capacity and potential to cope with problems of daily living;
• Helps the patient to understand, accept and follow medical recommendations and provide services planned to restore the patient to optimum social and health adjustments;
• Assists patients and families with personal and environmental difficulties which predispose towards illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care;
• Identifies resources, such as family and community agencies to assist patient to resume life in the community or to learn to live within his disability;
• Participates in team conferences;
• Participates in staff education as requested;
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and Agency matters;
• Participates in the development of POC;
• Prepares clinical and progress notes;
• Works with family;
• Uses appropriate community resources;
• Participates in discharge planning and in-service programs;
• Acts as a consultant to other healthcare staff.

Regulatory Reference: Florida AHCA Tag H275, H276, H306
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G195, G196, G197, G198, G199, G200, G201