Master Social Worker

Provides psychosocial services to patients treated by the facility, including in-center and home dialysis patients (if applicable), utilizing Social Work Theory of Human Behavior and accepted methods of social work practice.

Works with the healthcare team to promote positive adjustment, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life for our patients.

In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, informs, educates, and supports staff in understanding the emotional, psychological, and behavioral impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the patient and family to ensure comprehensive quality care of our patients.

Job Description

This is an entry-level MSW role.

Patient Assessment / Care Planning / Counseling

• Participates in care planning in collaboration with the patient and healthcare team to identify effective interventions that will help the patient meet rehabilitation, treatment goals, and improve quality of life.
• Utilizes FKC patient education programs, established social work theory and methods, social work-focused interventions, and quality of life measurement instruments as part of assessment and care planning to address barriers and meet patient treatment goals.
• Provides monitoring and interventions for the patient to adjust to dialysis and achieve optimal psychosocial status and quality of life.
• Provides supportive counseling services to patients as permitted within the scope of their clinical training and state license.
• Provides information and assists the team and patient with referral to community resources (home health services, vocational rehabilitation, etc.).
• Maintains current knowledge regarding local vocational/educational rehabilitation programs and assist patients with referral and access to vocational rehabilitation to enable them to remain employed, become employed or receive education.
• Assists with accessing advance directive forms/information and facilitates discussion of advance directive wishes, if necessary, with the healthcare team and the patient's family/support persons.
• In collaboration with the physician and nurse, participates in the discussion of patient DNR status in the facility to ensure patient and/or family understand and make an informed decision about their care.

Quality

• Provides psychosocial support and/or Social Work-Focused Interventions to address non-adherence, quality outcome, and quality of life concerns for all patients based on acuity level.
• Participates in monthly Quality review meetings with the interdisciplinary team.
• Reports on quality indicators related to adherence, such as Missed and Shortened Treatments, Quality of Life Trends, and Service Recovery.
• Works with patient, family, and health care team to provide education tailored to the patient's learning style, communication barriers, and needs.
• Reviews patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information (company and network) and other facilities policies with patient and/or the patient's representative to ensure patients' understanding of the rights and expectations of them.

Patient Admission and Continuity of Care

• Reviews Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Grievance Procedure & Important Numbers Handout, FKC Non-discrimination policy, DNR Statement (if applicable), and addresses any immediate needs/concerns.
• Understands the referral and admission process and supports the clinic in regard to the patient needs for scheduling to maximize adherence and adjustment.
• The Social Worker will interview the patient to identify root causes or concerns for the discharge request, (i.e., transfer to hospice, relocation, dissatisfaction with services or staff) and share causes/concerns with operational leadership.

Insurance and Financial Assistance

• In collaboration with Insurance Coordinators, provides information and education to patients about payment to dialysis (federal, state, commercial insurance, state renal programs, AKF HIPP, and entitlement programs).
• Collaborate with the Insurance Coordinator of any changes to patient state that impacts insurance i.e., transplantation, discharged, loss of coverage, or extended travel.

Staff Related

• Assists with interview process and decision to hire new personnel if requested by SW Manager/Senior Manager.
• Works with the administrative support staff to maintain updated patient resource lists (e.g., maintain updated list of transportation resources).
• Provides training to staff pertaining to psychosocial topics as needed.
• Discusses any urgent patient issues with staff.
• Adheres to work-defined caseload guidelines based on state regulatory requirements.
• In states where required works under appropriate supervision to meet state requirements.

Supervision:

• Masters in Social Work.
• Must have state temporary license, Registered Social Worker Clinical Intern, Associated Social Work license, or Provisional LCSW License (if required by state).
• Obtains necessary state licensure to work independently without supervision within the first two (2) years or as required by state guidelines.

Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.