Senior Medical Social Worker (HPC/MSW 2) – Mandeville Regional Hospital

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of the Senior Medical Officer, the Senior Medical Social Worker has responsibility to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the medical social work activities of the hospital. 

The incumbent is required to conduct comprehensive social investigations in order to help patients understand their illness or condition and provide them with information about the resources available to them to cope with the emotional, financial and social needs that arise with a diagnosis. 

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work 

Plus 

• A minimum of five (5) years’ working experience in the public health system 
• Certificate in Supervisory Management 
• Post graduate studies in related area would be a definite asset 

Specific Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of the scope and methods of social work 
• Working knowledge of the public health systems relating to the delivery of health care 
• Basic knowledge of medical terminologies 
• Sound knowledge of the relevant agencies to support patients in need 
• Well developed interviewing and counselling techniques 
• Managing Internal & External Relationships 
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills 
• Excellent Customer Focus & Quality Focus Skills 
• Strong Teamwork & Cooperation 
• Strong ability to use of Information, Communication and Technology 
• Excellent People Management skills 
• Knowledge of Strategic Vision 

Key Responsibilities

• Assessing the social, emotional and economic factors relevant to medical diagnosis and treatment and communicate these to other members of the health team. 
• Consulting regularly with other members of the health team to assist patients and families cope with any personal and environmental challenges that might impede a speedy recovery.
• Assisting the patient by therapeutic casework or group therapy to resolve problems that may be causing anxiety, undue stress or that may delay a response to medical treatment. 
• Assisting in planning the discharge and after care arrangements for patients in consultation with other member of the medical team, the patient’s family and other community sources that are willing to assist. 
• Conducting house calls on patients and other relevant persons / places to social assessment. 
• Conducting follow-up visits on discharged patients to continue therapeutic casework and family counselling and ensure that necessary clinic follow-up visits are made Arranging transportation to and from the health centre for physically challenged patients, where necessary. 
• Assisting patients in procuring medical and surgical aids. 
• Hosting meetings and seminars for health care professionals to improving working relationships and collaborative efforts. 
• Informing the law enforcement agencies of abandonment, child abuse and neglect and ensure follow-up activities associated with these cases. 
• Establishing links with relevant state agencies concerned with the health and welfare of children and providing referral to patients and families. 
• Identifying and communicating with the general public, governmental and non governmental agencies regarding available resources to assist the needs of the patient. 
• Assisting patients and their families access available community resources.
• Assisting patients to adjust back to normal life. 
• Referring patients to community or social programmes. 
• Maintaining an efficient and accurate record-keeping system. 
• Advising the Senior Medical Officer and Chief Executive Officer on the social needs of patients and the expansion or establishment or services/resources to meet these needs. 

Special Conditions:

• Required to respond to crisis situations outside of normal working hours, including weekends and Public Holidays 
• Required to do home visits 
• Maybe exposed to severe or complex social conditions of patients 

NB. ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.