Social Worker - Palliative Care - Therapist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500180 Social Work - Adult Services

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCC 211

Compensation Range:

$63,086.00 - $85,176.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Social Worker Therapist is an integral member of the Palliative Care interdisciplinary team at URMC. The Social Worker Therapist provides short-term comprehensive mental health services to referred palliative care patients, which includes screening, assessment (psychosocial and diagnostic), psychotherapy, and evidence-based interventions and treatment planning. At times, this could also include referral to specialty psychiatric, substance use, pain coping and other relevant services. Depending upon their interests, skill, and experience, the Social Worker Therapist may contribute to the division's Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Pal-KAP) Program. The Social Worker Therapist also collaborates closely with the outpatient Palliative Care team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and office staff. In this role, the Social Worker Therapist may also need to partner with medical social work to identify high risk patients with mental health and medical comorbidities and contributes to a unified person-centered treatment plan with the goal of improving the patient's overall health and well-being. As appropriate and indicated, the Social Worker Therapist may participate in weekly peer consultation meetings; ad hoc case reviews and patient-family/team meetings; monthly in-person or virtual URMC Palliative Care Grand Rounds and Schwartz Center Rounds; and opportunities to both offer and receive education and support.

Responsibilities:

- Under general direction and with considerable latitude for independent judgment performs complex psychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulations for patients when indicated. Provides evidenced based mental health treatment and education to patient and families. This may be in the following modalities: individual, family and/or group therapy. Meets minimum target for clinical productivity set by service director

- Ensures the development and implementation of comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for patients with clearly defined therapeutic goals. Assesses successful completion of therapeutic goals and plans termination of therapy accordingly

- Participates collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team to provide coordinated care. Collaborates with referral sources and other professionals both internal and external throughout patient care activities. Coordinates with support staff regarding patient scheduling, fees, and insurance issues.

- Offers longitudinal interventions with patients including functional and strength-based assessment and diagnosis; psychoeducation for patients and their support systems; medication adherence; motivational interviewing; and brief problem-solving interventions aimed at promoting self-efficacy, enhanced decision making, and behavior change. Provides Crisis Intervention for assigned and/or referred patients of the practice.

- Documents interventions in the patient's chart in compliance with Departmental and Hospital policy and regulations.

- Supports efforts for mental health screening for depression, anxiety and substance use. Recommends and facilitates referrals to specialty clinic, as appropriate. Provides linkages to community resources, as indicated.

- Attends Social Work Division and Program staff meetings. Participates in activities of the Social Work and Palliative Care Division including, but not limited to, ensuring policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning and patient care, timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Division forms; Hospital and Division mandatory in-service training programs and UHS reviews. Subscribes to the departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patient, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences.

- Maintains a thorough knowledge of, and follows all Discipline, Division, and Department of Medicine policies and procedures. Maintains professional standards and continuing education by reading, attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, and staying up to date for the NYS requirements for maintenance of licensure as appropriate. Engages in annual and periodic performance review process with Medical/Program Director, discipline supervisor, and clinical chief, where relevant, for the purposes of recognition of strengths and contributions, feedback, and continuous quality improvement relative to performance in the role as well as the service needs.

Qualifications:

- Licensure as a social worker, as defined by the State Board for Social Work, State Education department, Division of Professional Licensing Services is required.

- Due to billing structure, Licensure as LCSW/LCSW-R is required.

- Master's degree in social work accredited school of social work (CSWE) required.

- 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

- Strong clinical skills and knowledge of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions preferred.

- Previous experience with seriously ill or dying patients, palliative care and/or hospice is preferred.

- Commitment to and routine demonstration of biopsychosocial approach to care of individuals and families preferred.

- Dedication to delivering a team-based integrated model of care preferred.

- Demonstrates cultural humility and anti-racism values and works toward ensuring all patients feel welcome preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.