Our Hospital Social Worker job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Hospital Social Worker role
A Hospital Social Worker is a health care professional who provides support and guidance to people and their families who are facing physical and mental health challenges. They help patients and families cope with illness, treatment, and social and emotional issues, and link them to community resources.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a hospital social worker is to provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families before, during, and after hospitalization. They do this by helping to coordinate services, assess the patient's needs, and provide counseling and referral services. They strive to ensure a smooth transition between hospital treatment and the patient's return to their home community. Additionally, they often provide support and education to medical staff on the psychosocial aspects of patient care.
Hospital Social Worker Summary
Hospital Social Worker Job Summary
A Hospital Social Worker is responsible for providing social work services to patients and their families in a hospital setting. They work with other medical professionals to assess patients’ needs and provide resources, counseling, and support. Hospital Social Workers create action plans, monitor progress, and advocate for patients in various situations. They also provide education and outreach to the public regarding mental health and other social issues. The ideal candidate must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong understanding of the principles of social work. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required.
Hospital Social Worker Duties
- Provide emotional and practical support to patients, families and caregivers
- Develop individualized care plans to address patient's medical, social and psychological needs
- Identify and coordinate resources and referrals to assist patients with medical, financial and social problems
- Assist patients and families with end-of-life decisions and planning
- Conduct educational sessions on topics such as stress management and advance directives
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of interactions with patients and their families
Hospital Social Worker Skills
- Excellent communication
- Ability to effectively manage caseloads
- Proficient in counseling and problem-solving
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Understanding of social and economic issues
- Familiarity with community resources
- Awareness of legal and ethical issues
Hospital Social Worker Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field
- Licensure or certification as a social worker
- Minimum of two years of experience in a hospital setting
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations and guidelines related to social work in a hospital setting
Personal Traits
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to multi-task