Medical Social Worker- Bakersfield 1.1

Overview Candidates with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral science field are encouraged to apply! Location: Bakersfield, CA. (Onsite) Classification: Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm This position is non-exempt and will be paid on an hourly basis. Benefits Medical Dental Vision PTO Floating Holiday Simple IRA Plan with a 3% Employer Contribution Employer Paid Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program Compensation The initial pay range for this position upon commencement of employment is projected to fall between $28.15-$35.18 for a non-master’s prepared and $33.53-$41.90 for a master’s prepared. However, the offered base pay may be subject to adjustments based on various individualized factors, such as the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We offer competitive compensation packages designed to attract and retain top candidates. Position Summary The Medical Social Worker is responsible for addressing the clinical and non-clinical needs of members with the most complex medical and social needs through systematic coordination of services and comprehensive care management. ECM is interdisciplinary, high touch, person-centered, and provided primarily through in-person interactions with members where they live, seek care, and/or prefer to access services. The Medical Social Worker works with members with chronic health conditions, homelessness or at-risk status, high hospital admissions, substance use, behavioral needs, and/or transitioning from incarceration. The role involves coordination of care across health and social service programs, and collaboration with the member’s interdisciplinary team to define priorities aligned with the member’s needs and goals. Requirements Job Duties and Responsibilities Effectively manage and maintain a caseload of ECM members with higher behavioral and social acuity/risk tier levels. Conduct comprehensive assessments to develop individualized, person-centered care plans with input from the member (and/or their parent, caregiver, or guardian). Support members with behavioral health conditions, including brief interventions and linkages to community resources. Provide formal and informal training and support for ECM members on behavioral health conditions and evidence-based treatments. Track medical and behavioral health outcome measures in the care management platform. Build and maintain positive working relationships with providers and coordinate communication via in-person, phone, email, and fax. Engage with members in a manner that utilizes evidence-based approaches (e.g., Motivational Interviewing) to promote collaboration with the medical/behavioral team. Conduct in-person outreach and enrollment in community settings (e.g., shelters, navigation sites, schools, substance use centers, churches). Provide brief crisis interventions and warm hand-offs to local crisis resources as needed. Engage with each member authorized to receive ECM through in-person contact and provide culturally appropriate and accessible communication. Identify resources needed to assess member health status and inform the Care Management Plan. Ensure the care plan addresses physical and developmental health, mental health, SUD, LTSS, oral health, palliative care, and housing, and is reviewed and updated as needed. Reassess members at frequencies appropriate to their progress and needs. Coordinate and implement care plan activities, including information sharing with the multidisciplinary team. Provide support for medication review/reconciliation, appointment scheduling, reminders, transportation, and barriers to engagement in treatment. Communicate member needs and preferences to the multidisciplinary care team and maintain regular contact as appropriate. Ensure integrated care across services and providers, including follow-up with primary care and LTSS as needed. Provide coaching to promote healthy lifestyle choices and self-management skills. Assist with transitions of care and discharge planning, including follow-up appointments and services. Ensure documentation is accurate and compliant with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. Qualifications Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related behavioral science field from an accredited institution. Two years of full-time experience providing counseling and/or social work services to medical patients. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with either: a) two years of full-time or equivalent experience as a Medical Social Worker I, or b) three years of full-time or equivalent experience providing counseling and/or social work services to medical patients. Familiarity with Managed Care and discharge planning preferred. Strong knowledge of mental health and substance use conditions and management. Evidence-based communication skills (e.g., Motivational Interviewing). Multicultural awareness and commitment to addressing bias in health care. Self-management philosophy and practices related to chronic conditions. Ability to engage members and providers in person or by phone; data interpretation skills; proficiency with common office tech and electronic Case Management systems. Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong organizational and time-management skills. Experience in Medicare and Medi-Cal (CMS) environment preferred. Demonstrated experience with ECM populations focused on homelessness, SMI/SUD, high healthcare utilizers, or other complex cases. Other Requirements Possession of a valid driver’s license Proof of state-required auto liability insurance Reliable transportation required to perform essential duties, including traveling to engage with members in the field Working Conditions May be subject to TB testing requirements based on job duties and work location; employees in regular contact with members must provide proof of a current negative TB test prior to hire and periodically thereafter, per policy and public health regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr