Family Support Clinician (MSW)

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team. 

This position is accountable for meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and families through clinical assessment, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, case consultation with the health care team and collaboration with other professionals in the community. Reports to the Manager of Child & Family Support Services

• Develop an effective working relationship with patients and families to collaborate, advocate, and problem solve in order to enhance their functioning.
• Conduct timely psychosocial assessments and evaluations of patients and families which include social, psychological, cultural and financial information.
• Utilize clinical judgment in determining the level of assistance and support needed by patients and families and be able to engage in complex problem solving.
• Develop therapeutic plan based on psychosocial assessment.
• Evaluate progress towards accomplishing desired patient care outcomes and address termination and transitional process with patients and families.
• Connect patients and families with hospital and community resources that assist them in meeting medical and psychosocial needs.
• Implement crisis intervention and /or individual, group and family therapy modalities as needed.
• Documents in patient record regarding resource needs of family and referrals made.
• Serve as a resource and consultant to peers and other disciplines as applicable.
• Serve as an active member of an interdisciplinary medical team.
• Seek out consultation with supervisor or peers regarding social work practice.
• May provide on call services as part of an on-call team.
• Demonstrate support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children’s Standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• LMSW may supervise students in their professional internship. LCSW may provide clinical supervision for LCSW licensure and LMSW staff.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education Required: Masters in Social Work required.
• Experience Required: Require a minimum of 2 years related experience serving the needs of children and families.
• Experience Preferred: Basic knowledge and understanding of the medical conditions and health care experience of specific patient populations, preferred.

License and/or Certification Required:

• LMSW required within one year of hire. LCSW preferred.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) training certification highly recommended within one year of hire and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge Of: 

• Family centered care principles and practices preferred.
• Age related differences and needs of patients in specific populations from neonate through young adult.
• Legal and ethical issues related to patient rights.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong self-care skills to cope with the stressors of this high intensity and unpredictable work environment

Ability To:

• Prioritize, and demonstrate flexibility.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients and families.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers and job related applications.

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