Social Worker MSW

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Sign on Bonus Available!

Job Summary

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, responsible for assessing and providing support and intervention for the social and emotional needs of patients and their families to promote continuity of care and services.   Work involves professional activities such as psycho-social assessment, mental health screening and referral, crisis intervention, environmental assistance, patient advocacy, after-care planning and others of similar scope and complexity, depending on the assigned work unit.

This job exists in multiple locations, assignments may include coverage at multiple locations and settings, and while there may be minor differences in job content, they are not significant for classification purposes.  Overall, the nature of the work and job requirements are consistent between locations.

Note: 

If assigned to Behavioral Health or Emergency Services, duties also include mental health assessment and evaluation.

Employees assigned to the Emergency Department must meet special requirements as outlined in the Minimum Job Qualifications section.

Essential Functions

• Performs assessments, evaluation, mental health screening and/or mental health assessment and evaluation, and referrals, focusing on the psychosocial needs of the patient and family; facilitates family conferences as appropriate; identifies and communicates social, emeotional and patient/family stressors to members of the care team as it relates to patient's problems and plan of care.
• Plans and coordinates interventions, provides counseling services and evaluates effectiveness of interventions for identified patients and families based on specific department standards.
• Actively communicates with patient/family and all members of the health care team regarding the plan of care and progresss towards goals.
• Based on assessment and identified needs, provides information and education to patients and families.
• Integrates internal and external resources in the plan of care.
• Identifies and facilitates safe discharge planning along the continuum.  Communicates and documents plan to interdisciplinary patient care team.
• Promotes safety, quality and appropriate resource utilization.  Advocates on behalf of patients and caregivers for service accesss and for safety and rights (e.g. victims of domestic violence, sexual assualt, disability access or community-based services).
• Assists the helath care team's understanding of and respect of the patient's decisions.
• Educates patients/families on the economic impact of their health care choices.
• Recognized situations that require internal referral, to include but not limited to Risk Management, Ethics, Palliative Services and service line administration/management.
• Ensures compliance with state reporting requirements and appropriate documentation as identified by department policy and regulatory requirements/agencies.  Provides consultation to staff and physicians regarding reporting requirements.
• Provides timely documentation according to department standards.
• Documents findings from evaluation in a complete and concise manner, including assessment and plan.
• Writes notes that are organized, legible and demonstrates patient/family involvement.
• Documents interventions in the medical record and plan of care to assure communication for all team members.
• Provides consultation and guidance to staff and physicians about patient psychosocial issues and needs.
• Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Masters behavioral health field (e.g. sociology, psychology, counseling, etc.) required

MSW required for the following departments:  Rehab, Oncology, Mother/Baby

Note:  If assigned to the Emergency Department, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of WAC 388-865-0238 (Definition of a Mental Health Professional) in order to meet the requirements of RCW 71.05 as relates to the provision of Mental Health Evaluations in the Emergency Department.

Depending on the assigned work unit/service line, work experience in a specialized field may be required (i.e. Nephrology).

Preferred:

Masters Social Work

Two years recent related work experience is a healthcare setting preferred

Licensure and Certifications:

Agency Affiliated Counselor WA (AAC) within 60 days of hire OR

Licensed Mental Health Counselor WA (LMHC) OR

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker WA (LICSW) OR

Licensed Advanced Social Worker WA (LASW) OR

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Counselor WA (LMFT) OR

Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker: WA (SWAIC)