Social Worker - Lvl II (Emergency Room)

Harlem Hospital Center has been a bedrock of the Harlem community since 1887. The hospital provides a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and family support services to the residents of Central Harlem, West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. Harlem is the largest hospital in the area, capable of treating the most seriously ill. Harlem provides over 90 specialized ambulatory care services, dentistry and oral surgery, behavioral health services, and community substance abuse treatment.

Under direction, serves as a representative of the health care setting administration, providing a centralized complaint mechanism for patients, families and visitors to facilitate successful resolution of problems. Provides effective patient-centered representation and advocacy to minimize the risk of health hazards to the patient and health care setting, focusing on potential problem areas and liabilities. Ensures optimal utilization of resources and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

Job Description

This class of positions encompasses professional, supervisory or administrative work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility in the operation of a social work department providing psychosocial and other social work services to different types of patients across various settings. Ensures patient-centered quality care and services in support of better outcomes and improved patient experience, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations, and social work standards of care. There are five (5) Assignment Levels within this class of positions; all personnel perform related work. This assignment is for the Emergency Room- adult and pediatrics.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Mentors and assists less experienced social work staff in social work techniques and serves as a resource in various aspects of advanced social work practice.
• May supervise graduate and undergraduate social work students, as well as volunteers and other auxiliary personnel, as needed.
• May assist in the provision of clinical services only under supervision of a New York State LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist or perform such functions independently as a LCSW.
• Screens charts for historical and clinical information, conducts psychosocial evaluations through interviews with patients and/or identified surrogates and formulates appropriate social work treatment plans.
• Works within health care setting offices or in community settings within NYC to provide individual and group counseling, as well as concrete social services, as required.
• Confers and consults with professionals in other disciplines to determine and implement a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and to develop treatment plans, evaluate patients' progress, develop discharge and aftercare plans and recommend alternative action or treatment.
• Provides outreach services, makes referrals to other governmental, public and/or community agencies, prepares patients to accept services, provides direct social work services on high-risk cases and may escort patients in connection with community activities and referrals, as needed.
• As a mandated reporter, documents and reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the New York State Central Registry.
• Appears and testifies at administrative and court hearings, as necessary.
• Assists in plans for institutional or hospital discharge and other post institutional/hospital care; evaluates alternate care arrangements for patients, where needed.
• Participates in staff conferences and other related social work meetings, special studies, committees and/or research projects and internal/external quality assurance/performance improvement (QA/PI) activities, programs, and trainings, as required.
• Prepares reports and related paperwork; keeps appropriate records.
• Ensures ongoing compliance with NYC Health + Hospitals policies and procedures with national standards and other applicable external regulatory requirements, guidelines, and accreditation authorities, as well as safety and quality management standards.
• May assist in the provision of clinical services only under supervision of a New York State LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist.
• Performs other related duties, as directed and with required supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

For Assignment to Level II

• Valid license as an LMSW issued by the NYSED; or
• Valid license as an LCSW issued by the NYSED.

Special Note: All new appointments to Levels III - V require a NYS-issued Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license effective October 18, 2021.

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week
• Retirement Savings and Pension Plans
• Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees
• Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts
• College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities
• Multiple employee discounts programs