This department contributes to the fundamental goal of compassionate, quality patient care by assisting patients and families in their adaptation to illness and hospitalization, and facilitating the transition from hospital to home or to alternate care setting by utilizing an array of support services.

Scope of Patient Care 
Social Services provides social work, interpreter services and emergency response system services to Salem Hospital patients and families to facilitate adjustment to the impact of illness and hospitalization, and promote maximum benefit from healthcare services.

Department Duties

• Patients are identified for service by patient/families, physician, interdisciplinary discharge planning rounds, nursing, ancillary disciplines, utilization review, community agencies and social work staff.
• Social Services provide a range of services in the following clinical areas:
• Discharge planning/continuity of care
• Community resource education/coordination
• Counseling
• Protective services
• Interpreter services

Department Professionals

• Social Services
  • Social Services Counselor
  • Master Social Worker
  • Medical Receptionist
  • Discharge Coordinator
  • Manager Social Services
  • Supervisor Social Services
• Lifeline Service
  • Clerk I
  • Supervisor, Central Services
• Interpreters
  • Medical Interpreter
  • Supervisor, Central Service

Educational/Skill Requirements

• Oregon State Patient Care Licensures

More information
You can also go to the Professional Information link to see what training is needed, the current job opportunities, salary ranges, etc.  You may also want to look at the national employment picture for these careers from the U.S.Department of Labor.