SWA

Assists the Licensed Social Worker in providing direct social work services to patients and their families including community resource planning, advocacy, skill building, linking patient/families to community resources and providing assistance with entitlements under the direction of the Licensed Social Worker. Works under close supervision of the Licensed Social Worker.

• Assesses clients/families for the need of concrete social work services and participates in the development of a plan of care with the Licensed Social Worker.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other agencies on the treatment plan or plan of care, as well as follows up on linkages made between patients and other service agencies or mental health providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Assists staff, patients/families and other caregivers with application process for  third party reimbursement, entitlements and community resources.
• Performs outreach to community agencies in order to establish working relationships and provide access to other services.  Advise other agencies of the program and referral process.
• Maintains records and statistics in accordance with program requirements.  Clearly documents services planned and provided, and maintains written and verbal communication according to VNSNY  policy.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to provide a continuum of quality in-home services to families. 
• Travels to patient’s home to make home visits as determined by the Plan of Care or as determined by leadership.
• Attends in-service education programs, and other training, as required by VNSNY.
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

For CMHS only:

• Assists with monitoring the effects of the plan of care on the patient/family.
• Arranges transportation and/or appointments for patients at clinics, programs and offices.

For Hospice only:

• Assists with Nursing Home application process and placement.

Licensure:   Valid driver's license or NYS Non-Driver photo ID card, may be required as determined by operational/regional needs.

Education:   Associates Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or the human services field, OR Four years of full-time paid experience in social work in a social agency adhering to acceptable standards, OR, an equivalent combination of the foregoing education and experience required.

Experience:  Minimum of one year of social work experience in a mental health, health care or human services setting required.  Bilingual skills may be required, as determined by operational needs.  Position may require travel between regions.