The Rehabilitation Counselor coordinates the provision of care for persons served on the Rehabilitation Unit in order to ensure the best possible outcomes. The Rehabilitation Counselor facilitates communication between the different members of the interdisciplinary team and the person(s) served. Demonstrates knowledge of social, emotional, behavioral and economic implications of illness, disease and disability. Uses an understanding of the principles of growth and development to assess each patient's age-specific needs and to provide age-specific treatment and care. As a rehabilitation expert, the Rehabilitation Counselor demonstrates highly developed skills of communication, organization and autonomy. In addition, the Rehabilitation Counselor provides direct professional counseling services to patients and families concerning individualized hospitalization and subsequent transitional living skills acquisition. Makes psychosocial evaluations and recommendations to coordinate discharge planning and return to living in the home and/or community.

NON-EXEMPT

Knowledge of hospital and departmental procedures.

Knowledge of principles of social work, interviewing, assessment and problem solving.

Responsible to perform psychosocial assessments on Medicare, Medicaid and high-risk patients to determine social service and discharge planning needs; always documents assessments.

Knowledge of the meaning of a disablement that typically interferes with rehabilitation of the patient's normal functioning.

Maintains current knowledge of resources available within the community, maintains supply of resource materials to be distributed to patients when needed. Is able to obtain other resources as needed.

Knowledge of medical terminology as it relates to rehabilitatory medicine.

Ability to communicate with physician regarding social service and discharge planning needs of the patient. Assists the physician to facilitate post-hospital care.

Communicates with family members and caretakers regarding the needs of the patient and anticipated plans.

Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to provide for psychosocial assistance or optimum post-discharge services.

Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patient and family.

Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

Maintains and respects confidentiality of patient/physician/personnel information.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.

Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Accurately determines type of assistance/setting/resources necessary for the patient/family and provides appropriate resources/assistance/list of facilities.

Documentation meets current standards and policies.

Collaborates with the Business Office Manager and onsite eligibility worker, where patients require such assistance or in the case of transfers to the county hospital.

Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate on patient care and performance improvement activities.

An ability to direct and organize staff conferences in rehabilitation unit.

An ability to develop and run group services for patients and families.

An ability to work in a multidisciplinary manner.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Professional Requirements:

Adheres to dress code.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Wears identification while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting regulatory compliance, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.