The successful candidate will work as a main grade Medical Social Worker in Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. The post holder will work alongside their multidisciplinary colleagues on their designated wards/units assisting in the provision of health and social care for people accessing those services. Additionally supporting their medical Social Work colleagues in the development and promotion of Social Work practice in acute care is integral to this role. Contributing to positive patient care planning and experience is essential. The successful candidate must demonstrate strength in managing a fluctuating caseload whilst providing quality of care to those they support, optimising their physical, mental and emotional health during their hospital presentation.

The RCSI Hospital Group includes the following hospitals

• Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9
• Cavan General Hospital, Cavan
• Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
• Louth County Hospital, Dundalk,
• Monaghan General Hospital, Monaghan
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda
• Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 15

The Academic Partner for the Group is the RCSI. RCSI Hospital Group provides a national service and a regional service to Dublin and the North East and is committed to the provision of world-class care, exceptional clinical services with respect and compassion.

Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown is a major teaching hospital providing a range of acute medical and surgical services, day care, outpatient, diagnostic and support services.  Emergency services are provided on a 365-day, 24 hour basis.  Multi-disciplinary teams representative of medical, nursing, allied health professionals, management and general support staff play a pivotal role in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of these services. 

The hospital is affiliated to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) for medical education, to Dublin City University (DCU) for nursing education and to University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology for allied health professional education.

Connolly Hospital is one of 8 hospitals in the RCSI Hospitals Group covering a population of over 800,000 people.  Connolly Hospital’s Catchment Population of over 331,000 covers Dublin West, North Kildare and South Meath.

One or more of the following duties may be assigned to the employee and may be in any department of the service:

1. Complete comprehensive, patient centered and evidence based bio-psychosocial assessments for all persons referred to the medical Social Work Service
2. Take direct responsibility for a defined caseload on their wards/units or any additional tasks delegated by the Principal Social Worker
3. Take direct responsibility for a fluctuating caseload if covering the Emergency Department and demonstrate adaptability to same
4. Provide counselling, emotional and practical support to patients and their contact persons navigating their hospital journey
5. Implementation of practical supports and strategies to those accessing Connolly Hospital with the aim of supporting their safe transition back to the community
6. Provision of counselling support to all referred to assist them in coping with the psychosocial and emotional impact of hospitalization
7. Design and direct the implementation of individualized care plans for each person referred
8. Actively participate in the discharge care planning process with patients and relevant MDT members
9. Contribute to and participate in the development of the Social Work service in Connolly Hospital
10. Provide duty support cover to Social Work colleagues on a rotational system
11. Keep up to date on relevant policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and legislation to positively influence safe Social Work practice and how they may influence patient care
12. Remain current in their knowledge of local and national systems and services/agencies that can offer community based support to patients on their discharge from hospital ensuring continued support post hospital recovery
13. Advocate and educate on anti-discriminatory practice and cultural competency at both individual and service levels across the hospital
14. Assess and support patient safeguarding risks across the service
15. Attend and/or chair team meetings, ward rounds, clinical case reviews or any meetings requiring Social Work presence as requested by the Principal Social Worker
16. Provide group work and educational sessions to patients, families and staff where there is identified need by the Principal Social Worker
17. Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with Social Work practice by participating in continuing professional development such as reflective practice, in service, self-directed learning, research and clinical audits

18. Co-ordinate and deliver clinical placements in partnership with universities and clinical educators.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.

Eligible candidates will be those who on the closing date for the competition

• Possess the relevant Social Work degree

                                             AND

• Be actively listed with NQSW

                                             AND

• Are active members registered with CORU

                                            AND

• Have relevant medical Social Work experience

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants recruited since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Technical & Professional Expertise

Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements. Demonstrates their lateral and critical thinking and planning to execute patient centred care plans.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.

Patient Centred

Demonstrates eagerness to understand patient needs. Views the patient as central to the delivery of every day service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice.

Attention to Detail

Is thorough and precise when accomplishing a task showing concern for all aspects of the job; developing detailed plans; accurately checking processes and tasks.

Teamwork

Has the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others; collaborating to get the job done. Provides support to colleagues to help develop a strong and cohesive team ethos. Willing to participate as a member of both the medical Social Work and multidisciplinary teams.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Works effectively within a variety of situations with individuals or groups. Adapts one's approach to best meet the needs of the person or situation they encounter. Adjusts tasks and priorities when necessary for the betterment of patient care. Accepts that changes in one’s role will be required from time to time. 

This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.

The RCSI Hospital Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.