Social Worker

The Work:

The Social Worker position supports a retirement home for veterans located in Washington, D.C. This home serves retired enlisted veterans, providing them with the care they have earned in recognition of their service. It operates as a small independent agency within the executive branch of the federal government and boasts a history of caring for American veterans for over 200 years.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Perform independent reviews to evaluate current standards of care, ensure compliance, and develop new standards as needed to address evolving resident and agency requirements.

Collaborate with department leaders to assess patient care activities and work directly with individual clinicians to ensure adherence to established standards and protocols.

Actively contribute to fostering public awareness and community outreach, shaping public attitudes, and enhancing coordination with the agency.

Administer the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) or PHQ-9 screening tools, as appropriate, and initiate referrals based on assessment results.

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments at the admission level to support informed care planning.
• Perform assessments required for resident transitions to new care levels.
• Visit hospitalized residents to provide support and ensure continuity of care during admissions.
• Assist residents with the registration process for Veterans Affairs (VA) services.
• Facilitate relocation of residents to higher-level care rooms, whether for temporary or permanent placements.

Resolve medical billing discrepancies, such as ambulance transport charges, complete Medicare appeal forms for denied claims, and coordinate with Tricare to address billing issues.

Maintain regular communication with family members through phone calls and emails to provide updates, resolve concerns, and foster collaboration.

Offer one-on-one consultations with residents and/or family members as requested to address their needs and questions.

Engage with collateral agencies as necessary to support residents’ individual needs effectively.

Provide assistance to residents experiencing financial exploitation, including contacting financial institutions and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for resolution.

Educate residents about common financial scams and advise on preventative measures to safeguard against such risks.

Work closely with interdisciplinary team members to address resident issues or concerns, ensuring completion of all required documentation.

Exercise independent clinical judgment within the scope of practice, working with minimal supervision to provide optimal care.

Deliver clear, concise, and accurate instructions and health information to residents in an accessible and compassionate manner.

Ensure patient records are thorough, accurate, and documented in a timely manner in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.

Actively participate in meetings, trainings, and briefings, contributing relevant insights and feedback.

Prepare and submit all required reports, summaries, and documentation accurately and within established timelines.

Foster professional, courteous, and effective communication with staff, leadership, and internal and external stakeholders.

Exhibit a professional appearance, demeanor, and behavior at all times, serving as a positive ambassador for the organization.

Comply with all client policies, procedures, work practices, and standards, including documentation protocols, timekeeping, and performance expectations.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

Master’s degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Ph.D. in Social Work is highly preferred but not required.

Current State of D.C. license to practice as an Independent Practitioner, with eligibility and commitment to maintain licensure in good standing throughout employment. Eligible licenses include Clinical Social Worker, Independent Clinical Social Worker, or Certified Social Worker.

• Documentation of current annual flu vaccination prior to start date.
• Documentation of a current tetanus booster.
• Valid CPR certification.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in providing admission preparation, assessments, counseling, day-to-day assistance, care plan development, and integrated services for effective resident/patient care within a geriatric population.
• Preferred experience in long-term care settings, including direct interaction with geriatric patients.

Demonstrated expertise in healthcare settings that serve geriatric populations, including those experiencing dementia, and strong skills in both medical and psychiatric social work.

Must successfully pass a minimum Tier One background investigation at the time of hire, as well as any subsequent or periodic reinvestigations required during employment.

Must meet all eligibility requirements for access to secure federal facilities and systems.

Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills

Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English fluently to communicate effectively with employees, providers, and other stakeholders, as well as to ensure the accurate documentation of clinical encounters and health information.

Strong verbal and written skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally in face-to-face or telephone interactions.

Skilled in preparing concise documentation, reports, and business correspondence.

Proven ability to provide exemplary customer service, including responding to inquiries or concerns promptly, professionally, and with an appropriate sense of urgency.

Advanced knowledge and practical application of Microsoft Office Suite (e. g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe tools.

Ability to create, edit, and manage various types of professional documents, spreadsheets, and forms in a digital environment.

Strong organizational skills, effective time management capabilities, and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks with precision and maintain accuracy under tight timelines.
• Self-motivated and capable of working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute productively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a professional office setting.
• This is an essential role critical to client operations, requiring consistent and timely attendance as scheduled, including during emergency situations and severe weather events.
• Maintain a productive, organized, and professional workspace that aligns with organizational expectations.
• Professional attire is always required.

Complete All Required Training

• Client-specific training within 30 calendar days of reporting to duty and recurring annually thereafter.
• Cayuse-specific training within 15 calendar days of reporting to duty and recurring annually thereafter.
• Adequate visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform essential job functions.

Capacity to perform physical activities such as bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting as needed. Regular lifting, pushing, and pulling is required.

• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.