Outpatient Social Worker

Pay Range

Pay Range:$31.83 - $44.56 This position provides a variety of roles of services including support to all patients from birth to elder as part of the social services department. This position provides care coordination and resource navigation for patients receiving outpatient medical or behavioral health services. The social worker is a member of the hospital interdisciplinary treatment team and provides outpatient services, ensures proper maintenance of clinical records in accordance with insurance regulations and established SEARHC policies and procedures.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessment to identify emotional, social, financial and environmental needs. Learn the available community resources to make appropriate patient referrals for continuum of care.
• By using analytic data identify high risk patient populations i. e. at risk for social admissions, non-compliance, taking high risk medications, taking multiple medications, history of alcohol and drug abuse, being treated for high-risk diagnosis, having multiple falls, having high ER utilization, etc.
• Follow up on patients that have been discharged from the ED and from Acute Care Stays that are identified by Inpatient Care Coordination as being high risk for re-hospitalization or needing follow up on referrals initiated in the Acute Care Setting.
• Develop individualized care plans that promote patient independence and improved health outcomes.
• Screen for depression, anxiety, substance use, suicide risk, domestic violence and other psychosocial concerns.
• Educate patients and families about available community resources, insurance benefits and treatment options.
• Educate patients and families on grants that are available
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, care managers and community agencies to ensure coordinated patient centered care.
• Advocate for patients by addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting equitable services.
• Assist with advance care planning, caregiver support and chronic disease management.
• Assist patients with completing a Power of Attorney
• Assist patients with connections to legal services when needed for long-term care planning.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EMR) in compliance with organizational, state, and federal regulations.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, quality improvement and community outreach
• Conduct home visits to assess and address patients' social needs, identify barriers to care, and connect individuals and families with appropriate community resources and support services to promote health, safety, and well-being.

Education, License and Experience

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program
• Current state social work license LMSW or equivalent
• Experience in outpatient healthcare, community health, case management, primary care or behavioral health preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources, public assistance programs and social determinants of health.
• Strong communication, assessment, crisis intervention and care coordination skills.
• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License or can be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Knowledge Of

• Modern methods, techniques and procedures used in individual, marriage, family and child counseling for both mental health and substance using clients.
• Psychological theory.
• Interviewing techniques
• Ethical and legal management practices; patients’ legal rights. Documentation regulations specific to accreditation requirements.

Skills and Ability To

• Perform case management; use tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Observe and record psychiatric behavior and substance using behavior; conduct screening, assessments, treatment planning and document in progress notes.
• Write clear/concise reports and chart notes in accordance with professional standards, state regulations and department protocol.
• Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
• Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
• Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
• Keep current regarding community resources by attending conferences and educational events.
• Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.
• Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Collaborate with other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
• Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information
• Coordinate with PCP and Clinic Case Manager.

Required Certifications

Driver License - State of Alaska, Licensed Master Social Worker - Alaska State Board of Social Worker Examiners

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!