Social Worker

Social Worker Department Overview The Transgender Health Program (THP) Social Worker is a member of a multidisciplinary team that ensures affirming, high‑quality and trauma‑informed care is provided to transgender and gender non‑conforming patients across the life span. This position primarily assesses, offers short‑term solution‑focused counseling, disseminates information/referrals, provides crisis intervention, patient advocacy and related services to patients, families and involved parties/agencies. The efforts focus on assisting the patient/family in all areas of medical care for transgender and gender diverse patients seeking treatment at OHSU, including primary, specialty, and/or surgical care. The THP Social Worker works closely with other THP staff members to deliver training, education and consultation throughout OHSU and within the community. The role may include providing supervision to MSW interns and serving as a point of contact for patients of all ages accessing medical and surgical care with the THP. The Social Worker coordinates with the multidisciplinary care team. Function/Duties of Position Psychosocial Assessment Conduct intakes and assessments for patients accessing gender‑affirming medical/surgical care at OHSU. Interview patients, families and other resources to gather information necessary for evaluating psychosocial, cultural, and financial conditions and determining best supports for health goals. Educate and prepare patients for surgery regarding documentation, after‑care plans, surgical prerequisites, and ongoing support. Provide in‑depth consultation to community professionals, agency staff or other persons seeking guidance in meeting patient needs. Complete daily rounds and conduct chart reviews to assess patient needs within units. Participate in treatment team meetings with various health‑care staff. Serve as a resource for inpatient units caring for transgender patients. Patient Services Assess patient/family support needs, advocacy and associated services, including medical care. Refer patients/families to OHSU and external resources for assistance such as financial, transportation, insurance, housing, medicine, etc. Assist patients in gaining access to resources. Advocate for patients within the medical setting and the community. Maintain knowledge of community resources for patient care. Assist with navigation of insurance approvals, denials and appeals, providing education and advocacy when necessary. Coordinate with the multidisciplinary team. Provide accompaniment to patient appointments as needed. Help patients obtain necessary mental‑health letters of support for medical/surgical care. Help patients secure necessary supports for medical, procedural, or peri‑operative care. Counseling Provide short‑term counseling to patients and/or their families. Offer supportive counseling to reinforce patients’ strengths and assist them in dealing with chronic or acute stress. Help patients locate mental‑health and other resources in their community. Work closely with the THP Psychologist on complex patient care. Conduct patient education to provide information on all gender‑affirming treatment options, including surgery and expectations on a social, emotional and physical level. Participate in emergency or on‑call situations by providing crisis intervention services. Other Duties as Assigned Required Qualifications A Master’s Social Work (MSW) degree is required. Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is required for employees who practice clinical social work. Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies) Knowledge of adult biopsychosocial issues affecting transgender populations, including substance abuse, poverty, health risks and legal issues. Knowledge of Medicaid and commercial plans, benefits, surgeries, and supportive after‑care plans. Proficiency with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Strong verbal and written communication skills, problem‑solving ability, and teamwork in an interdisciplinary setting. Experience with pediatric and/or adult transgender and gender diverse populations. Public speaking to diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications Health care experience preferred. 5 years of work experience in healthcare disciplines, including care coordination, case management, counseling or community mental health, acute or chronic illness, patient health or psycho‑education, assessment of psychosocial complexity, caring for underserved populations, and care delivery within the Portland area safety‑net. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) experience, WPATH standards, knowledge of insurance, billing, Oregon law relevant to transgender care, and grant‑writing experience. Proficiency in Spanish and English. Additional Details Work general business office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM‑5 PM. Occasional need to arrive early or stay late to accommodate patient or physician needs, including occasional holiday or weekend work as required for regulatory purposes. Benefits Healthcare coverage: 100% for full‑time employees, 88% for dependents, and $25,000 life insurance provided at no cost to the employee. Two separate pension plans above market to choose from. Vacation: up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service. Sick leave: up to 96 hours per year. 8 paid holidays per year. Substantial Tri‑Met and C‑Tran transportation discounts. Additional programs: Tuition reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr