Renal Social Worker

Description

Scope of Work:

The Licensed Social Worker provides social services to patients and their families in a timely and efficient manner in order to promote maximum social functioning and psychological adjustment to dialysis and rehabilitation of the patient.

Duties:

1. Assist with clinical and operational procedures to improve patient health and minimize hospitalizations and missed treatments
2. Coordinate transient arrangements
3. Demonstrates effective use of supplies and staff labor hours
4. Perform duties as assigned to meet the patient care and/or operational needs of the facility
5. Identify and counsel psychosocial issues
6. Provide patient and family education
7. Assist with programs target goals for patient outcomes in accordance with quality patient care and operational company goals
8. Knowledge of and comply with federal, state, local laws and regulations, including healthcare professionals practice act requirements
9. Perform duties at all times within limits established by and in accordance with company policy and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations
10. Act as advocate on patient’s behalf with proper local, state and federal agencies
11. Complete initial assessment of new patient psychosocial needs in accordance to state/CMS regulations and company policy
12. Complete KDQL in accordance with company policy
13. Maintain a good working relationship with Medical Director and physicians
14. Take part as a member of the interdisciplinary team in all required patient assessment and care planning activities
15. Actively promote good customer service to patients, develop effective relationships at all levels of the organization
16. Participate in team concepts and promote a team effort, perform duties in agreement with company policies and procedures
17. Lead staff in team concepts and encourage a positive team work environment
18. Identify social agencies and other resources as suitable to the needs of the patients, including but not limited to financial/funding sources
19. Be familiar with professional organizations related to kidney disease (ex. National Kidney Foundation/American Kidney Fund)
20. Must be able to multi-task in an efficient, professional and calm manner. Interpersonal skills required to work with patients, staff, insurance companies, government and private agencies
21. Must use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
22. Be familiar with all emergency operational procedures
23. Provide information and referrals as required
24. Attend and participate in monthly Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings
25. Coordinate development and conservation of patient/family support groups
26. Educate staff and provide in-service training in relation to patient psychosocial care

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
2. Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians. The position could provide direct patient care that regularly involves heavy lifting and moving of patients and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. The position requires frequent prolonged periods of standing and the employee must be able to bend over. The employee may occasionally be required to move, with assistance, patients and equipment of up to 200 lbs. There is a two-person assist program and “material assist” devices for the heavier items.
3. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious, contagious diseases/materials and radiation. May be required to wear protective gear in procedure rooms for extended periods of time.

Requirements

1. Must have Master’s Degree in Social Work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
2. Current licensure in applicable state is required. License must be maintained as current and in good standing
3. Previous experience providing social services to dialysis preferred
4. Must meet any practice requirement(s) for the relevant state
5. Ability to meet minimum hospital/agency hiring standards which may include additional background clearances and orientation requirements if applicable to the program assigned to for employment