Definition: Under general supervision, the Medical Social Worker performs routine medical social work duties; evaluates social, emotional and physical needs of clients; interviews clients and their families and significant others; provides supportive counseling or crisis intervention; conducts mandatory reporting activities; advocates on behalf of clients; provides discharge planning, service coordination, psychoeducation and case management; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features: Class 2920 Medical Social Worker is distinguished from class 2922 Senior Medical Social Worker, in that the class 2920 Medical Social Worker is the journey level classification in the series, performs the more routine cases and does not require licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which is required for the class 2922 Senior Medical Social Worker. Class 2920 Senior Medical Social Worker is distinguished from class 2924 Medical Social Work Supervisor in that the class 2924 Medical Social Work Supervisor provides clinical supervision to a group that may include class 2922 Senior Medical Workers and class 2920 Medical Social Workers and ancillary staff, and requires licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Supervision Exercised: May supervise ancillary staff.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties: According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list. Evaluates social, emotional and physical needs of clients by applying social work theories. Helps clients cope with the environmental and psychological issues of illness by explaining options and treatments, as well as making appropriate referrals. Provides supportive counseling or crisis intervention to clients and/or their significant others, families, or friends, or may provide referral services to therapists or mental health providers. Interviews clients, their families and significant others to obtain intake information; reviews financial status and screen eligibility for entitlement programs. Collaborates with interdisciplinary health care teams to treat and plan for the psychosocial and medical needs of patients by consulting with other providers and making referrals. Devises, develops and implements treatment plans as necessary. May make a diagnosis as part of a treatment plan. Conducts mandatory reporting activities by completing reports (CPS, APS, elder abuse, and domestic violence reports) in specific time frames and completing appropriate documents. Prepare records to document case activity, including pertinent statistical reports, chart notes, correspondence, and other agency forms to monitor and assess client's progress; Advocates on behalf of clients with agencies, medical practitioners and within the community. Conducts home visits when necessary to survey living situation of clients for accessibility and to determine the need for further services. Provides discharge planning and/or service coordination and linkage by analyzing client needs, coordinates with other members of treatment teams and refers clients to outside services and community agencies. Researches community resources, makes appropriate referrals and helps facilitate medical treatment and arranges follow-up care.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of: Social work theories, principles and techniques; Federal, State and local laws, administrative codes, rules and regulations; contemporary medical issues and health trends; counseling, therapy, advocacy, and intervention. Ability and Skill to: Apply social work methodology; develop and maintain professional working relationships; written communication skills; oral communication skills; basic computer skills; train and supervise others; be sensitive to cultural diversity.

Minimum Qualifications: These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education: Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); AND

Experience: Six (6) months (1000 hours) of social work experience in a health care setting. This experience may be gained from supervised field placement during the Master's in Social Work (MSW) program or from post-graduate social work experience.

Notes: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ORIGINATION DATE: 1961 AMENDED DATE: 11/21/02, 09/17/15 REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code. BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN SFMTA     

Conviction History: As a selected candidate for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a selected candidate. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances, such as: Candidates for positions with the Unified School District and the Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code. Candidates for positions with the Recreation and Park Department may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under California Public Resources Code 5164. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are a selected candidate, the hiring department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

Disaster Service Workers: All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.