As a member of the interdisciplinary team, Social Workers contribute professional and clinical knowledge and skills to support patient and family access to health care resources. In addition, social workers provide assessment of psychosocial factors that influence a patient’s health with connection to community resources to alleviate barriers. Works in various areas of the hospital setting providing direct care and emotional support, transition planning and facilitation, and advocacy. 

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Patient Care:

Performs psychosocial assessment of the patient to identify priority needs, strengths, patient preferences and barriers to care

Provides crisis intervention services and emotional support to patients/families to enhance the ability to cope with the impact of health conditions

Assesses grief issues and offers bereavement support

Assists with planning for care transitions and collaborates with UPH, community services, and facilities to support patient safety and continuity of care.

Documents assessments, interventions, and referrals in the electronic health record according to documentation standards.

Education and Advocacy:

Serves as a patient/family advocate in support of patient confidentiality, informed consent, patient autonomy, and self-determination.

Assesses patient safety to identify possible abuse, neglect or other risks to safety. Collaborates with the care team to address safety issues and files DHS reports and/or guides others in the process as mandated.

Supports culturally competent services and assists with arranging interpreter services as needed.

Provides education to the patient/family regarding available services and supports and assists the patient to access those they are eligible for.

Provides advocacy and education to physician and other team members in understanding the psychosocial implications of illness and disease progression for the patient/family.

Participates in mentoring new employees and/or supervising social work interns as requested.

Care Coordination/Transition Support:

Identifies patient transitional needs by assessing psychosocial, environmental, financial and cultural strengths and barriers.

Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community resources and acts as a liaison to refer patients/families to health and social services, health insurance, public assistance and other resources to meet patient identified needs.

Provides expertise and plays a key role with the care team in establishing patient-centered goals of care and identifying psychosocial and behavioral strengths and barriers.

Contributes to the comprehensive, longitudinal plan of care based on patient-centric goals and coping strategies.

Facilitates and/or participates in interdisciplinary team meetings to review and revise the patient plan of care.

Facilitates patient/family meetings to enhance family support of the patient’s care.

Collaborates with social workers and other professionals across the continuum and in the community to ensure continuity of care.

Education: MSW degree Required in Social Work from an accredited school. 

Experience: Prefer one year clinical experience in health care and with pediatric population. Experience conducting mental health assessments.

License(s)/Certification(s): Valid LBSW, LMSW, LISW, or similar licensure through State of Iowa active at time of hire. Successfully complete Person Centered Care course within 1 year of hire. Valid mandatory Reporter course completion by state(s) requirement.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of the social work process

Awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity

Ability to take initiative and exercise independent judgment, decision making and problem solving expertise.

Ability to work as a collaborative team member.

Knowledge of the physiological elements of illness and impact on psychosocial functioning

Knowledge of the healthcare system and resources available to patients.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a collaborative team member

Knowledge of social determinants of Health

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Familiarity with health insurance policies and benefits associated

Other: Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position. Work may require travel to other UPH facilities. May drive own vehicle. Valid licensed driver with automobile insurance in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements.