Part-Time Night Social Worker for Emergency Services

POSITION SUMMARY

The Emergency Department Social Worker II is a dedicated and experienced professional with a Master's degree in Social Work, committed to excellence in social work practice. Reporting to the Manager of Social Services, this role involves a variety of responsibilities including bio-psychosocial assessments, development of personalized care plans, evaluating psychiatric patients, and, when clinically appropriate, placing involuntary holds. The position emphasizes coordination of interventions for patients and their families based on specific needs.

This role demands a comprehensive understanding of the Social Work scope of practice, current legal requirements, and Federal and State guidelines related to patient care, including the Patient Bill of Rights, EMTALA, and other regulations pertaining to Utilization Review and Discharge Planning. The Emergency Department Social Worker works closely with medical staff and employs evidence-based approaches to enhance patient care while optimizing resource use.

We are looking for a candidate ready to actively engage in fulfilling the Mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, demonstrating behaviors consistent with our Core Values and supporting our strategic plan aimed at quality improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct assessments, planning, management, and provision of social services to patients and families during evening shifts.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to facilitate timely care, ensure quality throughout hospital stays, and minimize adverse outcomes.
• Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention for patients and families facing psychosocial challenges.
• Timely report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate protective services.
• Prioritize cases effectively and respond to urgent situations appropriately.
• Document communications with team members, physicians, and patients/families regarding care coordination.
• Adhere to departmental and hospital-wide policies and procedures.
• Participate in the hospital's Quality and Performance Improvement Plan pertaining to social work services.
• Take into account the patient population served, age-specific criteria, and the Watson Model of Care in all interactions.
• Assist in the assessment and transfer of patients requiring inpatient psychiatric care and facilitate involuntary holds when clinically warranted.
• Comply with MLKCH LPS MOU and related involuntary hold policies as well as relevant county and state laws.
• Support training for new hires in the social work department.
• Serve as an expert on California LPS law and maintain LA County LPS Certification.
• Ensure accurate documentation and maintain departmental tracking logs.
• Assist in the discharge process of homeless patients in accordance with SB1152.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

A. Education

• Master's degree in Social Work.

B. Qualifications/Experience

• Required: Hospital inpatient social work experience; preferred: care management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based clinical social work interventions, as well as clinical operations and procedures.
• Proven ability to navigate and connect with external provider networks including Health Plans, IPAs, and FQHCs.

C. Special Skills/Knowledge

• Bilingual skills (Spanish) preferred.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Licensed Clinical Social Work licensure necessary.
• Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Certificate is required (designated by MLKCH).

All new hires must complete the annual Workplace Violence Prevention Program/Certificate within 30 days of hire or transfer.