Overview

The Associate Social Worker (ASW) will provide UHC patients with case management and access to services. The ASW is responsible for the prevention and early intervention services of individuals presenting in early manifestation of mental illness. The ASW will work in collaboration with the primary care medical team in coordinating all psychosocial community services under the general direction of UHC's Behavioral Health Director.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works closely with the primary care provider and other members of the patient care team to:

• Provide direct care to UHC patients with behavioral health problems or social service needs.
• Assist primary care providers in consultative contact for patients by assessment of patient needs through "warm handoffs".
• Collaborate with the UHC perinatal services program for referral and treatment of patients in need of psycho-social and social service care.
• Assists with program development through creation and revision of departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrates exemplary customer service in both verbal and written encounters.
• Maintains direct communication with Health Center Managers, providing updates on operational issues, process improvement suggestions and other concerns.
• Under the direction of the QA Coordinator, will participate in process improvement and data collection as necessary.
• Provides coverage in various health centers as necessary.
• Interfaces with other departments to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Able to multitask and manage assigned projects as directed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Responsibilities

PERFORMANCE AREA 1: Behavioral Health Department Responsibilities

This position works closely with the Psychologist, Health Center Manager, and other site management personnel to ensure smooth operations and seamless integration of behavioral health functions into the overall functions of the clinic.

• Provides direct behavioral health care to UHC patients.
• Collaborates with UHC primary care providers and patient care team for consultative visits as needed.
• Effectively communicates issues and concerns to Health Center Manager when they arise.
• Will assist in creation and revision of behavioral health departmental protocols as necessary.
• Supports the area and Health Center Manager by being a knowledge expert in using UHC medical management software and other tools standard for the work and area.
• Ensures appropriate staffing by participates in the interview process and selection of new personnel with Health Center Manager for Front Office and Medical Records.
• Maintains direct communication with Health Center Manager, providing updates on operational issues, process improvement suggestions and other concerns.
• Effectively interfaces with other departments within the clinic and corporation to ensure operational effectiveness for the area.
• Supports the work of the Health Center Manager by being able to multitask and manage multiple assigned projects and to meet assigned deadlines.
• Effectively communicates and works closely with the Health Center Manager to comply with compliance issues and regulatory expectations of site audits/visits (i.e., OSHA Blue Cross etc.).

PERFORMANCE AREA 2: Customer Service, Quality Improvement, & Staff Development

This position is responsible for a high level of quality of service, customer service and interactions with patients, and the ongoing training and development of staff within the area.

• Responsible for ensuring that the team exhibits exemplary customer service in both verbal and written encounters by role modeling and coaching staff to performance.
• Supports the quality improvement initiatives of the health center by participating in process improvement and data collection activities as necessary.
• Responsible for the quality improvement activities within the area by coordinating staff training and retraining when processes are modified within the functions of the department.
• Supports the quality improvement and compliance goals of the health center by ensuring that UHC personnel within their area meet required regulations as defined by BPHC and other contracted entities.
• Supports the work of the area by ensuring that new personnel are acclimated to the work environment and provided general expectations to performance along with training.
• Ensures that staff is directed to and provided opportunities for additional training that support the activities within the area

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• BA in Social Work or related field
• Masters Degree in Social Work or closely related field
• Current Associate Social Worker License in good standing
• Valid Lifesaving Certification
• Must have a valid California Driver's License

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 1-2 years experience in a behavioral health or general health care setting

SKILLS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Modern office practices and procedures including email
• Intermediate computer skills
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

The pay range for this Exempt position starts at $69,950.40 an hour. Our salary ranges are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!