Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Social Worker Trainee, MSW, reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Social Worker Trainee MSW, assists the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with the provision and coordination of clinically competent care for an assigned group of patients that includes assessment, discharge planning, complex psychosocial intervention and evaluation. As part of the Social Work Department, the Social Worker Trainee, MSW under the supervision of the LCSW, proactively collaborates with Patient Care staff, Medical Staff, and other ancillary departments to assist in integrating the Department’s functions and services with other aspects of the patient care process. The Social Worker Trainee, MSW will remain under LCSW supervision until Illinois LSW license is obtained.

Responsibilities:

While functioning as a Social Worker Trainee, MSW, works under the direct supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in supporting all of the responsibilities listed below:

Psychosocial Assessment & Intervention

• Participates in meetings with patient/family and LCSW to perform a comprehensive assessment including social, emotional, cultural, mental status, environmental and financial circumstances in conjunction with interdisciplinary assessment of the patient. Works with the supervising LCSW to recommend a plan of intervention based on mutually established goals.
• Assists in providing psychosocial interventions which include: 
  • Reactions to illness and disability, especially the chronically and terminally ill.
  • Facilitation of informed decision making (including advanced directives) and development of treatment/intervention plans.
  • Adjustment to the hospital setting and compliance with treatment plan.
  • Adjustment/coping with post-hospital care needs and linkage to community resources.
  • Gynecological/obstetrical-related issues including teen pregnancy, parenting issues, adoption planning, infant developmental problems, drug exposed neonate, fetal death, unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy termination, and other care as needed.
  • Issues related to insurance coverage and payment.
  • Psychiatric symptoms and chemical dependency.
  • Conflict resolution.
  • Family and personal relationship that impact the plan of care & discharge plans.
• Supports the process of assessing the physical environment and adequacy of support systems for outpatients to prevent a crisis and/or hospitalization.
• Participates in Crisis Intervention and/or Protective Services for:
  • The elderly without support systems; with impaired mental status and/or victims of suspected abuse/neglect.
  • Victims of suspected sexual/physical assault (includes rape and molestation.)

• • Victims of suspected child abuse or neglect.
  • Victims of domestic violence.
  • Guardianship and/or protective services for patients with significant mental status impairment or unsafe living environment.
  • The homeless.

 Assists LCSW with Discharge Planning through Placement Coordination and Resource Utilization

• Actively participates in the stages of discharge planning and helps ensure that the plan of care is coordinated, facilitated and effectively communicated to the physician(s), healthcare team, patient and family. 
• Supports initial screening for all new patients to assure medical necessity, source of funding, and likelihood of needing social work and/or discharge planning services.
• Assists with the plan of care as it applies to discharge planning needs through facilitation of direct and continuous communication and collaborative decision making, including participation in multidisciplinary rounds and case conferences and other collaborative forums. 
• Collaborates on action plans when barriers are present to facilitate resolution.
• Supports discharge planning team to ensure a timely discharge (placement or return to community) through early identification, assessment and intervention for post-hospital care needs. Patient assessment, plan coordination and changes to the plan occur, as necessary, to ensure that the patient is discharge when medically ready to:
  • Other acute hospitals
  • Rehabilitative facilities
  • Extended care facilities
  • Sub acute care
  • Psychiatric and chemical dependency care
  • Return to home
  • Other living arrangements
• Meets directly with patient and family as part of care team to assess needs, preferences and develop appropriate plan that involves home health care services in collaboration with the physician. Ensures/maintains plan consensus from patient/family, physician and payer. Timely discharge is facilitated through early identification, ongoing assessment and intervention for post-hospital care needs.
• Collaborates and communicates with multidisciplinary team in all phases of discharge planning. Ensures/maintains plan consensus from patient/family, physician, and payer as indicated.
• Proactively identifies and assists in resolving delays and obstacles to discharge. Utilizes advanced conflict resolution skills as necessary to ensure timely resolution of issues and system problems.
• Seeks consultation from and makes referrals to appropriate disciplines/departments as required to expedite discharges.
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources and an ability to connect patients and families with these resources. Acts as an advocate on behalf of the patient who requires assistance to gain access to needed information, resources, or services.
• Facilitates review of high risk cases by Office of General Counsel, Risk Management and informs appropriate members of the healthcare team as to interventions needed. Coordinates interventions in collaboration with healthcare team.
• Provides patient and family education that promotes wellness and increases knowledge of the health care system.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the utilization management process which includes level of care assignment, communication with payors and benefit authorization for applicable situations.

Actively Participates in Clinical Performance Improvement Activities related to Case Management Services

• Assists in the collection and reporting of financial indicators including LOS, avoidable days, resource utilization, discharge barriers, cost per case, readmission rates, denial and appeals.
• Uses data to drive decisions and plan/implement performance improvement strategies related to case management for assigned patients/units, including financial, clinical, quality and patient satisfaction data.
• Complies with Northwestern Memorial Hospital policies on patient confidentiality including HIPAA requirements and Personal Rules of Conduct.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's Degree in Social Work from a school of social work accredited by CSWE.
• License Social Worker (LSW) must be obtained within three (3) months of hire date.
• A high level of interpersonal skills to affect positive outcomes.
• Organizational skills necessary to prioritize and help manage an appropriate caseload of patients coupled with performing the Social Worker functions. Self-direction required for daily work.
• Analytical skills necessary to independently collect, analyze, and interpret data, resolve problems requiring innovative solutions and to negotiate in sensitive situations.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.