Employment Type : Full-Time
Overview: In response to the opioid/ substance abuse crisis, University of Louisville Hospital created the position of Addiction Program Social Worker. This position provides substance abuse assessment, evidence-based screenings, information and referral services to assist with discharge planning for the substance use disorder population. The major functions of this role are to provide advocacy, social justice, dignity and worth of the individual as well as patients right to self-determination as we address substance use disorder and current illness/injury. The Addiction Program Social Worker interacts with Physicians, Residents, Medical Students, Nursing Staff, as well as staff from multiple services involved in patient care and community agency representatives.Responsibilities: 1. Conducts substance use assessments for patients who are currently admitted to University of Louisville Hospital due to illness/injury related to drug/alcohol use, self-reported substance use or positive toxicology screenings upon admission.
2. Assesses patient to identify cognitive decline, depression, and other social issues prior to discharge. Performs evidence-based depression and alcohol screenings. Identify appropriate inpatient/outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorder.
3. Provides crisis intervention, supportive individual and family counseling, as well as patient advocacy to enhance patient and family ability to cope with psycho-social effects of substance abuse/hospitalization. Meets with patients at the bedside to provide therapeutic support during various stages of disease processes, including death and dying. Utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions to process with patient and family. 4. Conduct follow up call on substance use disorder patients who have discharged from UofL hospital. Provide post discharge support, education and treatment connection.
5. Provides Trauma informed care as well as Stigma training to New hires and current employees of University of Louisville Hospital.
6. Provides education and outreach to co-workers, hospital and medical staff, as well as the community to provide information about Addiction Program Social Work functions.
7. Collaborate with community partners to develop streamlined referral processes for patients.
8. Pursues continuing education in accordance with the Association of Social Work Board by participation in departmental or hospital-wide in-service programs, classes, workshops, or conferences. Must remain up to date on current Social Work licensure.
9. Identifies risk issues accurately and implements procedures which appropriately address risk concerns. (APS, CPS, MIW, duty to warn, Casey’s Law etc.)
10. With MD guidance, conducts family conferences when needed, especially for complex family situations or patients with complex or special needs. Utilizes evidence- based skills to assist in mediation and de-escalation of disagreements and conflicts within family/social systems as they arise in the hospital setting.
11. Collaborate with other Specialty Social Workers, Care Coordination, Nurse Clinicians, Physicians, Residents and Medical Students to assist developing appropriate discharge plan that will result in best possible outcomes.
12. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds. Offers information attained from psychosocial assessment to overcome barriers to treatment in the patient’s social environment and support the treatment efficacy provided in the hospital.
13. Collect necessary data on Substance Use disorder patient population. Utilizing multiple Microsoft office programs. Completes monthly and yearly data reports to present to leadership.
14. Participates as primary stakeholder for University of Louisville Hospital Behavioral Response Team. Attends Behavioral Responses to assist in de-escalation and patient care. Completes monthly data of Behavioral Responses.
15. Supervises graduate students, as assigned.
16. Performs other duties as assigned
Trauma Program Specific Responsibilities (if applicable)
1. Per the American College of Surgeons criteria (ACS), conducts brief interventions for trauma patients identified as being admitted for illness/injury related to drug/alcohol abuse and referral/transition to substance abuse treatment agencies when patients agree to treatment. 2. Per the ACS guidelines, performs Depression, Anxiety, PTSD screenings and, with trauma MD collaboration, works with psychiatric services, to identify appropriate inpatient and/or outpatient services for substance abuse treatment and psychological trauma care.
3. Provides crisis intervention, supportive individual and group counseling, and patient advocacy to enhance patient and family ability to cope with psycho-social effects of traumatic injuries/hospitalization. Meets with patients and/or family members at the bedside to provide psychosocial support during various stages of disease processes, including death and dying. Utilizes social work methods to help patient and family cope with very emotionally demanding issues (i.e. – loss of patient’s limb, substance abuse, loss of functional abilities, grief and loss, financial stressors).
4. Will work in collaboration with the Trauma Program Social Workers to establish, coordinate, and maintain the Trauma Survivor network and other patient support services.Qualifications:Job Requirements
(Education, Experience, Licensure and Certification)
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW or MSSW) is required.
Experience: Hospital or Healthcare social work preferred
Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred, if not LCSW, will be required to begin supervision within 12 months of hire
Certification: Certified Social Worker (CSW) for Kentucky is required