Family and Communication Services Specialist Alzheimers Institute

Primary City/State: Tucson, Arizona Department Name: BUMG-BAI-Clinic Work Shift: Day Job Category: Clinical Care Find your path in health care. We want to change the lives of those in our care – and the people who choose to take on this challenge. If you’re ready to change lives, we want to hear from you. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is committed to ending Alzheimer’s before we lose another generation. At this center, people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their families access a new standard of care that brings together innovative therapies, advanced treatments and valuable resources. As a Family & Communication Services Specialist you will be responsible for providing vital social work support to patients and their families to help manage the complex, day‑to‑day challenges of Alzheimer’s and related memory disorders. This role requires an MSW + 5 years of experience, as this role focuses on day‑to‑day patient counseling, resource allocation, and serving as a key liaison to the clinical team. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Banner University Medical Group is our nonprofit faculty practice plan associated with the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Phoenix and Tucson. Our 1,100‑plus clinicians provide primary and specialty care to patients at highly ranked Banner – University Medical Centers and dozens of clinics while providing mentorship to more than 1,200 residents and fellows. Our practice values and encourages the three‑part mission of academic medicine: research, education and excellent patient care. Position Summary This position provides comprehensive care coordination for patients and families, supporting a holistic and coordinated approach across the continuum of care. It assesses psychosocial aspects of care, adding to the treatment plan, providing individual and group psychotherapy, assists with disease management and education to enhance informed decision‑making; and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to allow for timely treatment and increased supportive care throughout the patient/family experience. Core Functions Assesses and manages the patient/family plan of care for the identification and facilitation of resources required during the progression of the chronic condition to achieve optimal clinical, financial, operational, and satisfaction outcomes. Acts in a leadership function with process improvement activities to develop and execute uniquely designed programs for dementia patients and families. Assists the patient/family through the course of dementia using disease management precepts to provide ongoing education, psychosocial support and counseling for adjustment. Coordinates the plan of care using an interdisciplinary holistic approach, making appropriate medical, legal, social and financial referrals and consultations in coordination with physicians and other team members. Ensures that the patient and family understand the dementia diagnosis, disease progression and behavioral strategies, and provides appropriate information in coordination with physician and health care providers. Evaluates patient's functional, cognitive and emotional abilities and limitations; determines when intervention is needed; establishes measurable treatment goals; and implements a plan of care to achieve those goals. Educates internal members of the health care team on care coordination of dementia patients/families in the community and participates in staff development. Establishes and promotes a collaborative relationship with physicians, payers, and other health care team members; collects and communicates pertinent information to fulfill utilization and regulatory requirements. Works independently, with freedom to determine how to best accomplish functions within established procedures, consulting the supervisor on unusual situations. Requires complex problem‑solving related to plan of care, treatment and discharge planning. Minimum Qualifications Master’s Degree in Social Work with licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Arizona). Five years of clinical experience. Excellent organizational skills and clinical knowledge regarding specialty care services and care coordination. Strong communication, writing, time‑management and computer skills. Ability to teach both clinical and non‑clinical personnel about care coordination and diagnostics services. Good understanding of process improvement. Working knowledge of dementia care precepts and experience creating individual and group treatment plans, including psychotherapy. Preferred Qualifications Additional related education and/or experience preferred. EEO Statement EEO/Disabled/Veterans Our organization supports a drug‑free work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Banner Health