MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER ASSISTANT 2660

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class provides social casework and counseling services to County residents and/or patients in the Suffolk County Nursing Home. The incumbent assists in record keeping, discharge planning and other duties related to the social work function; and refers clients to other governmental or community agencies when appropriate. Work is reviewed by a professional or administrative supervisor through conferences and direct observation. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Interviews patients' families before admission to the Nursing Home to obtain medical and social histories;

Counsels patients and their families to help them understand and adapt to lengthy and/or terminal illness;

Counsels other County residents and their families to help them cope with problems related to medical conditions;

Refers clients to other agencies, explains program regulations, assists clients in filling out forms and informs them of their legal rights;

Visits health related facilities with Nursing Home patients as part of discharge planning; assists in maintaining case records and documentation; assists in preparing patient care plans;

Contacts other facilities and agencies as needed;

May keep simple records and prepare statistical reports;

May participate in, and help to organize, social events in the Nursing Home.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of medical social work; working knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations and departmental policies; ability to deal with clients sympathetically and tactfully while retaining an objective attitude toward their problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and employees of other service agencies; patience; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in one of the social or behavioral sciences related to social work;

(b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with an Associate's Degree in one of the social or behavioral sciences, related to social work, and two (2) years of experience in providing direct social work services to clients; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and throughout employment in this title, employees are required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R11/18/10

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15