A 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 role, in lieu of an MSW, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential based on Washington State Department of Health approved masters-level degree credentialing including a minimum of 2 years post-graduate experience working with crisis intervention services including conducting psychiatric assessments; OR, Mental Health Associate Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist Associate allowed with licensure in the State of Washington (LMHC or LMFT) required within 3 years of employment.

Minimum of two-year acute care hospital experience preferred.

Minimum two years case management experience preferred or equivalent.

Ability to assess the psychological and social needs of patients in the medical setting; as well as to create, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of care plans which address identified needs.

Effective communication skills, including group facilitation and conflict management skills.

Ability to work in a collaboratively team setting with peers at all times.

Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with the interdisciplinary teams of care providers, including physicians and nursing staff, to coordinate care for patients and families.

Sensitivity to coordination of care requirements for all patients and families from a variety of ethnic, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds and with varied medical and developmental needs.

Knowledge of community resources and how to access them effectively and efficiently.

Knowledge of the healthcare financial environment, reimbursement, and length of stay management.

Ability to work independently without close supervision; set priorities, meet outcome expectations and deadlines.

Ability to function in multiple and varied settings across the facility.

Ability to set priorities among multiple demands; produce accurate work and meet deadlines.

Neat and well-groomed appearance consistent with VMC dress code policy.

Experienced navigator of basic electronic applications including: Outlook, Office, and calendar management.

Experienced in use of electronic health record (EHR).

Ability to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to type fluently and quickly; and write legibly, spell correctly, and use accepted grammar.

Assess, Plan and Facilitate discharge and transitions of care including the following:

Review past and present medical records to determine history, admitting diagnosis or procedure, and plan of care compared to previous history and care needs;

Gather pertinent information about the patient's psychosocial, functional and financial situation to identify needs;

Meet with patients/caregivers to evaluate clinical, psychosocial, functional and financial status;

Communicate with the multidisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, chaplain, etc.) as needed to complete assessment;

Establish a discharge plan based upon individual patient needs, patient/care-giver preferences, and existing or proposed treatment options in order to support and promote desired clinical, service and financial outcomes in a timely manner;

Provide relevant education and information regarding resources to patient/caregiver to facilitate informed decision making and active participation in the plan for transfer/discharge;

Determine realistic goals with patient/caregiver regarding available options, empowering them to make choices in their best interest;

Identify benefits and coordinate resources based on patient's needs and preferences;

Work with insurance companies and/or public health benefit programs (DSHS, Medicare, Medicaid, County, State) to optimize benefits to patient.