Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The individual in this role is responsible for planning and coordinating all local patient related social service activities, consistent with Physicians Dialysis Management’s policies and practices.

This individual executes and monitors social service programs and related activities, including but not limited to the psychosocial aspects of patient care and the financial aspects of delivering End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) services to patients.

This individual provides ethical, safe, effective, and compassionate care that is consistent with the State, Federal and Company guidelines, Company policies and procedures, and within his/her scope of practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Admission of patient:

• Interview all patients to obtain a complete intake history to include data on the patient’s social, medical, emotional, financial, home environment, and relationships.

1. Assess, monitor, document and counsel patients and their families in psychosocial aspects of care.

• Enlist cooperation from family members and/or significant other to complete intake process to support and maintain the basis for the patient’s plan of care.
• Evaluate patient data and formulate a psychosocial plan of care including both short- and long-term goals.
• Initiate individualized counseling for patients and refer to outside resources as appropriate. This includes patients who are experiencing emotional or financial difficulties.
• Input patient assessments, notes and other documentation in patient records in a timely manner

1. Execute company policies and procedures that meet all state and federal regulations for documentation and compliance for social service functions to ensure consistent, appropriate standards and practices are met.

• Social Worker Programs

1. Assess and Implement programs for uninsured and underinsured patients, including, but not limited to, Drug Safety Net programs, Patient Access programs and Medigap programs, etc.

2. Utilize all resources to obtain primary and secondary insurance coverage for patients.

3. Financial Waiver Program. Ensure patient and Company’s financial needs are appropriately addressed. Work with patient and family members in completing the Financial Waiver Program packet, other applications, and forms. Make appropriate agency contacts that the patient may be entitled to, secondary to ESRD status.

4. Coordinate social service programs in the clinic for patient and family education purposes

5. Ensure documentation and paperwork is filled out for various needs.

• On-going monitoring of patient

• Monitor plan of care and adjust as necessary independently or in coordination with the multi-disciplinary patient care team.
• Conduct patient counseling as needed to support psychosocial needs.
• Input patient assessments, notes, and other documentation in patient records in a timely manner
• Participate in rounds with Physician, RN, Dietitian, and other members of Care Team.
• Collaborate with the transplant team.
• Actively participate in monthly Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement activities.

1. Act as the primary resource for the Clinic on social service programs, regulations, entitlements, as well as State and Federal requirements related to social work services.

2. Perform crisis intervention with patients and patient families.

3. Help coordinate transportation for patients to ensure that they attend each scheduled treatment.

• Counseling and Referral to additional resources

• Screen for vocational rehabilitation and make appropriate referral.
• Assist in coordination of transportation needs.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Deliver other programs educating patients and family members regarding insurance eligibility, public assistance, loans and grants, and support agencies specific to the ESRD population.
• Serve on clinic and company-wide committees, task forces, and work groups on a voluntary and appointed basis.
• Active in local renal related organizations that promote and support ESRD issues on a voluntary and appointed basis.
• Work closely with corporate, regional, and clinic staff to ensure integration of the above activities.

• Participate on committees, task forces, and work groups on a voluntary and appointed basis.
• Adhere to all HIPAA compliance policies.
• Answering phone calls and emails in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate the Physicians Dialysis Difference program and culture.

• Travel is minimal in this role.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Medical Aspects of Kidney Disease and Treatment, Case Work, Group Work, Social Work Ethics, Clinical Ethics and Legislation, Knowledge and Management of Financial and Community Resources, Renal Palliative Care, Loss, Grief and Bereavement, Knowledge, and Management of Mental Health Issues

Required License(s)/Certification(s)

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from a social work school accredited by the council of Social Work Education.
• Current and valid license as required by state regulations.

Education/Experience/Qualification

• Proven experience and expertise in area relevant to patient care; minimum 2 years of clinical experience required. Renal experience strongly desired.
• Basic to Intermediate computer skills, MS Office.
• Strong focus on details and delivery of results while maintaining patient and staff satisfaction.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated high degree of professional ethic and knowledge of confidential and regulatory compliance practices (HIPAA, etc.)

M-F 8-4 pm