Medical Social Worker

The Medical Social Worker provides medical social services to patients in the home as prescribed by the attending physician. This position is a key member of the interdisciplinary team and supervises the Social Work Assistant. The Medical Social Worker reports directly to the Clinical Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide rehabilitative and supportive casework aimed at restoring patients to their optimal level of social and health adjustment.

• Assist patients and their families in understanding, accepting, and following medical recommendations.

• Help patients utilize family and community resources by referring them or acting as an intermediary with health and welfare agencies.

• Address personal and environmental difficulties interfering with medical care, including counseling and assistance with long-term care placement.

• Develop a care plan in collaboration with the physician, patient, family, and other team members.

• Supervise the Social Work Assistant through conference calls, record reviews, direct supervision, and home visits.

Documentation

• Complete medical social service evaluations and visit reports on the day of service, adhering to agency documentation timelines.

• Prepare discharge/transfer summaries in accordance with agency timelines.

• Submit weekly visiting schedules and maintain accurate records of work hours.

• Document Social Work Assistant supervisory activities.

Communication

• Respond to referral requests within 24 hours and complete initial visits within 72 hours unless dictated otherwise by the physician or patient needs.

• Consult with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to provide insight into social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting patient health.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

• Provide case updates to the primary nurse/case manager regarding patient status, concerns, and changes in needs.

• Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure coordinated care.

• Report immediate clinical needs to the supervising nurse or designee.

Professional Standards

• Maintain a professional image and adhere to agency policies and standards.

• Follow infection control and safety procedures.

• Comply with Social Work Practice Act regulations and Social Work Practice Standards.

Professional Development

• Attend all mandatory in-services and additional staff meetings.

• Participate in educational sessions, quality improvement programs, and professional development activities.

• Continue to expand knowledge through formal education, workshops, conferences, and independent study.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program.

• Licensed Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Minimum one year of experience in a healthcare setting.

• Reliable transportation for travel between assignments; valid driver’s license and insurance required.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

• Clear criminal history report and required regulatory clearances (e.g., Childline, FBI, OIG, Medicheck, EPLS/SAM).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Moderate exposure to communicable diseases; Hepatitis B vaccine offered.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., carry up to 20 lbs., and perform tasks requiring bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, and repetitive motions.

• Ability to navigate stairs and uneven walkways.

• Strong verbal, hearing, and visual acuity required to assess and educate patients and communicate with healthcare professionals.

• Proficiency with medical equipment, supplies, charts, and computer systems.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care by providing essential social work services in a home healthcare setting. If you are passionate about patient advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration, we encourage you to apply!