Social Worker - MSW

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Provides psychosocial services to patients treated by the facility, including in-center and home dialysis patients (if applicable), utilizing Social Work Theory of Human Behavior and accepted methods of social work practice. Works with the health-care team to promote positive adjustment, rehabilitation and improved quality of life for our patients. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, informs, educates and supports staff in understanding the emotional, psychological and behavioral impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the patient and family to ensure comprehensive quality care of our patients. Supports the Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) commitment to the Quality Indicators and Outcomes and Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and quality of life, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FKC Quality Goals. This is an entry-level MSW role.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Assessment / Care Planning / Counseling As a member of the interdisciplinary team, assess patients' psychosocial status, strengths, and areas of need that may affect rehabilitation and optimal treatment outcomes as part of the comprehensive patient assessment. Participate in care planning in collaboration with the patient and healthcare team to identify effective interventions that will help the patient meet rehabilitation, treatment goals, and improve quality of life. Utilize FKC patient education programs, established social work theory and methods, social work focused interventions, and quality of life measurement instruments as part of assessment and care planning to address barriers and meet patient treatment goals. Provide monitoring and interventions for the patient to adjust to dialysis and achieve optimal psychosocial status and quality of life. Provide supportive counseling services to patients as permitted within the scope of their clinical training and state license. Provide educational and goal-directed counseling to patients who are seeking transplant. Provide information and assist the team and patient with referral to community resources (home health services, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) to facilitate optimal treatment outcomes. Maintain current knowledge regarding local vocational/educational rehabilitation programs and assist patients with referral and access to vocational rehabilitation to enable them to remain employed, become employed or receive education. Assess patient awareness of advance directives; assist with accessing advance directive forms/information and facilitate discussion of advance directive wishes, if necessary, with the healthcare team and the patient's family/support persons. In collaboration with the physician and nurse, participate in the discussion of patient DNR status in the facility to ensure patient and/or family understand and make an informed decision about their care. Knowledgeable of and adhere to FMCNA Social Work Policy and Measuring Patient Physical and Mental Function Policy, including documentation. Document based on MSW interaction and interventions provided to patient and/or family. Quality Provide psychosocial support and/or social work focused interventions to address non-adherence, quality outcome, and quality of life concerns for all patients based on acuity level. Participate in monthly quality review meetings with the interdisciplinary team. Report on quality indicators related to adherence, such as missed and shortened treatments, quality of life trends, and service recovery. Patient Education Assess patient knowledge of kidney disease for barriers that may affect adherence to treatment. Work with patient, family and health-care team to provide education tailored to the patient’s learning style, communication barriers, and needs. With other members of the interdisciplinary team, provide appropriate information about all treatment modalities. Facilitate the transplant referral process and collaborate with interdisciplinary team on transplant waitlist management. Provide ongoing education to patient/family regarding psychosocial issues related to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all support services that are available. Review patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information (company and network) and other facilities policies with patient and/or the patient's representative to ensure patients’ understanding of the rights and expectations of them. Collaborate with the team on appropriate QAI activities. Patient Admission and Continuity of Care Review patient rights and responsibilities, grievance procedure & important numbers handout, FKC non-discrimination policy, DNR statement (if applicable) and address any immediate needs/concerns. Understand the referral and admission process and support the clinic in regard to the patient needs for scheduling to maximize adherence and adjustment. The social worker will interview the patient to identify root causes or concerns for the discharge request (e.g., transfer to hospice, relocation, dissatisfaction with services or staff) and share causes/concerns with operational leadership. Insurance and Financial Assistance Collaborate and function as a liaison for patient with insurance coordinators to address issues related to insurance. In collaboration with insurance coordinators, provide information and education to patients about payment to dialysis (federal, state, commercial insurance, state renal programs, AKF HIPP, and entitlement programs). Collaborate with the insurance coordinator of any changes to patient state that impacts insurance (e.g., transplantation, discharge, loss of coverage, or extended travel). Refer patients to patient billing solutions (PBS) department for questions/concerns regarding treatment related bills. Staff Related Assist with interview process and decision to hire new personnel if requested by SW manager/senior manager. Work with the administrative support staff to maintain updated patient resource lists (e.g., maintain updated list of transportation resources). Provide training to staff pertaining to psychosocial topics as needed. Contribute and participate with weekly team huddles. Discuss any urgent patient issues with staff. Adhere to work-defined caseload guidelines based on state regulatory requirements. Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel required if multiple facilities or home visits (if applicable).

SUPERVISION

None

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS

Master’s degree in Social Work Must have state required license Meet applicable scope of practice board and licensure requirements in effect in the State in which they are employed

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

0-2 years related experience

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Annual rate: $60,000.00 - $101,000.00 Benefit overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave. Bonus eligible positions: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave, and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance. Equal opportunity employer; disability/veterans included. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fresenius Medical Care