L Medical Social Worker, Senior

Professional/Clinical

The Senior Medical Social Worker will:

· Provide a comprehensive social work service as part of a multidisciplinary team

· Provide counselling, emotional and practical support to patients and their families which will assist them in developing strategies to cope with the psychosocial and emotional impact of illness.

· Carry out social assessments where social issues are a factor in illness management and advise the multidisciplinary team (MDT) on assessment outcomes.

· Be a resource to the MDT regarding the psychosocial aspects of the patient’s life which may impact on ability to cope with illness.

· Assist in discharge planning in the context of the MDT.

· Consult and liaise with other agencies.

· Ensure the delivery of social work services in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures, guidelines and protocols.

· Provide supervision to main grade staff.

· Participate in development of Medical Social Work in Letterkenny University Hospitals.

· Keep adequate records.

· Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Hospital Manager or Principal Social Worker.

Education & Training

The Senior Medical Social Worker will:

· Maintain standards of practice and levels of professional knowledge by monitoring and reviewing the standards within area of responsibility, participating in and organising continuous professional development initiatives and professional development planning.

· Keep updated on current and impending legislation and the perceived impact on practice.

· Keep abreast of developments in national policies and strategies and international best practice.

· Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health and Social Services.

· Actively engage in staff development and training by making recommendations with regard to the ongoing education, mentoring, training and in-service needs of social work team.

· Act as a resource by participating in and promoting the education and training of Social Work colleagues, other health professionals and service user groups including clinical audit and research.

· Foster an understanding of the role and contribution of social work by providing professional consultation and education to other members of the service.