Medical Social Worker III - Per Diem

Medical Social Worker III is the experienced level classification in this series.  This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Medical Social Worker II by the higher level licensure.  This class is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 

Dependent upon assignment: 

• Functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling, medical social work, protective services, family services, community organization and research
• Interviews and counsels patients and relatives in order to determine appropriateness of services, to determine extent of social and emotional problems, and to plan for patient’s illness and related problems
• Evaluates problems and makes treatment plans
• Interprets diagnosis and prognoses to patients and their families to insure best adjustment to hospitalization and/or medical condition
• Provides casework and group work treatment for patients; conducts therapy groups

• Counsels patients on rehabilitation and employment programs
• Performs assessments and provides information for use in diagnosis and treatment

• Participates in research projects, mental health educational programs, treatment intervention and assist in discharge transition
• Observes effects of current policies and informs supervisor of gaps in the program
• Participates in conferences, meetings and committees
• Cooperates with other agencies to ensure adequate resources to assist in the patient's maximum level of functioning and adjustment
• Evaluates patient’s community behavior and assists in determining a need for further treatment

• Arranges for follow-up care
• Prepares case records, reports and correspondence

• Develops the cultural competency program in the internal medicine department

• Develops professional interviewing skills for residents of the internal medicine department
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.      

Must possess and maintain an active, valid and unrestricted License as a Clinical Social Worker as required by State of California and two (2) years’ experience in a health care facility or experience working with a behavioral health population performing duties comparable to a Medical Social Worker I or II.

The principles, procedures, techniques, trends and literature of Social Work; knowledge of social, emotional, behavioral and economic implications of illness, disease, incapacitation and disfigurement; knowledge of modern hospital organization and functions; knowledge of general laws relating to health and welfare; ability to evaluate information and form logical and sound conclusions; ability to prepare reports and case records; ability to maintain effective and cooperative relationships with professional personnel, patients and community agencies; ability to interview and obtain accurate personal and psycho-social data for records.

A background check may be required for this classification.

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner. 

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.