Medical Social Worker at Community Memorial Healthcare in US-CA-Ventura

Job description

• Nationally Recognized. Community Focused.
• Community Memorial Healthcare is proud to earn the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades , placing Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide and one of only 13 hospitals in Southern California recognized for patient experience excellence. Extraordinary patient care begins with extraordinary teams.
• View all of our awards and accreditations and learn more about us as you explore career opportunities with a team committed to compassionate, award-winning care.
• Community Memorial Health System was established in 2005 when Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura merged with Ojai Valley Community Hospital. It is comprised of these two hospitals along with a network of primary and specialty care health centers serving various communities across west Ventura County. Our health system is a community-owned, not-for-profit organization. As such, we are not backed by a corporate or government entity, nor do we answer to shareholders. We depend on – and answer to – the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• The Medical Social Worker is responsible for performing social work assessments, interventions, and discharge planning for patients and families. The position works to maximize social functioning and continuity of healthcare management for patients and families impacted by illness and provides appropriate social service interventions as part of a multidisciplinary team in an effort to meet the total needs of the patient.
• The Medical Social Worker applies a strengths-based and person-centered philosophy of care and demonstrates the practical application of social work core values. Functions include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention; patient and family intervention; high-risk screening; grief counseling; referrals for identified financial or other resource needs; arranging and facilitating meetings between patients, patient representatives, families, and the healthcare team; assisting with post-acute placement for complex discharges; and engaging appropriate agencies or community resources when high-risk patients are identified.
• The Medical Social Worker also serves on hospital committees and participates in developing training materials and presenting information to hospital staff.
• Provides direct social work services and counseling to patients and their families. Floats to other areas as needed.
• Gathers appropriate data and formulates relevant assessments of the patient’s and family’s medical, social, and emotional situations using effective interviewing techniques, consultation with the healthcare team, and chart review.
• Assesses and identifies the social determinants of health of patients.
• Provides social work intervention and support for the complex social and emotional needs of patients and their families. Direct clinical services may include individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, education, and linkage to resources for patients, families, and staff, as indicated by the assessment and treatment plan.Identifies and understands the behavioral and emotional factors underlying a patient’s illness.
• Assesses and supports care coordination that meets individualized patient needs.
• Provides crisis intervention and assists families in understanding the implications and complexities of the medical situation and its impact on the patient’s lifestyle.
• Assists with discharge planning and post-acute placement for complex discharges.
• Accurately documents all assessments, plans, interventions, patient/family involvement, outside agency communications, interdisciplinary contacts, and case closure according to social work and patient care area standards.
• Demonstrates flexibility when assigned to other hospital floors or teams as needed by management.
• Actively participates in department activities, including regular staff meetings, committees, and task forces.
• Provides effective orientation, work direction, and guidance to less experienced social workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work or equivalent
• One (1) year of clinical and/or medical social work experience
• Current California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Previous social work experience in an acute medical setting
• Knowledge of contemporary behavioral and systems theories relevant to healthcare; end-of-life dynamics and interventions; grief and bereavement counseling; substance abuse identification and interventions; and support for victims of abuse, neglect, or violence
• Knowledge of community and financial resources for underserved or vulnerable populations
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Skills

Preferred

• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Benefits

• To help heal, comfort, and promote health for the communities we serve, Community Memorial Healthcare takes care of our community of employees so our local community can be cared for. That’s why we provide competitive benefits, along with great career choices, training, and leadership development. Our total rewards package provides benefits that support you and your family’s health and wellness in all aspects of life. From our top tier insurance plans to our employee assistance program, take advantage of what CMH has to offer so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind now and for years to come. CMH is here for you and your family every step of the way.
• Competitive Pay
• Shift Differentials
• In-House Registry Rates
• Fidelity 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Medical (EPO/PPO), Dental, & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program Available 24/7 (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Recognition programs
• Employee service recognition events
• Home, Retail, Travel & Entertainment Discounts
• National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week celebrations