Medical Social Worker, CM, per diem

Medical Social Worker, CM, per diem )

Valley Medical Center – Renton, WA

The Medical Social Worker or Crisis Counselor assesses, coordinates, facilitates, and negotiates services and resources to support coordination and continuity of care in the most appropriate care setting and cost‑effective manner for specified populations. This includes collaboration with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team to address patients’ medical, disposition, and psychosocial needs through effective coordination of services commensurate with available financial resources and the patient’s right to self‑determination across the continuum.

• Masters level degree in social work (MSW); licensure in the State of Washington (LICSW) preferred, required within 4 years of employment.
• Or, for Crisis Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential based on a Washington State Department of Health approved masters‑level degree with a minimum of 2 years post‑graduate experience in crisis intervention services, or a Mental Health Associate Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with licensure in the State of Washington (LMHC or LMFT) required within 3 years of employment.
• Minimum two years acute care hospital experience preferred; minimum two years case management experience preferred or equivalent.

• Assess, plan, and facilitate discharge and transitions of care, including review of medical records, psychosocial, functional and financial status, and communication with multidisciplinary team.
• Establish individualized discharge plans based on patient and caregiver preferences, available resources, and financial considerations.
• Provide education and information about community resources, mental health, housing, and other support services.
• Coordinate with insurance companies and public health benefit programs (DSHS, Medicare, Medicaid, County, State) to optimize benefits.
• Initiate timely family or multidisciplinary case conferences for complex transitions.
• Document all assessments, plans, and interventions in the medical record, maintaining clarity, accuracy, and compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Perform self‑referral screens Monday through Friday (and as needed) to identify high‑risk patients without a case management order.
• Maintain current knowledge of case management, utilization management, and discharge planning resources.
• Collaborate with Utilization Management team, Patient Financial counselors, and other relevant departments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including orientation and training of new staff and serving as committee member or liaison to community partners when requested.

• Ability to assess psychological and social needs of patients in a medical setting and create, implement, and evaluate care plans.
• Effective communication, group facilitation, and conflict management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with interdisciplinary teams.
• Sensitivity to coordination of care for diverse patient populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and the healthcare financial environment.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet outcome expectations and deadlines.
• Proficiency with basic electronic applications (Outlook, Office, calendar management) and electronic health record (EHR).
• Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing, with strong typing and correct, legible, and grammatical written communication.
• Neat and well‑groomed appearance consistent with VMC dress code policy.

See Generic Job Description for Clinical Partner.