Social Worker- Dialysis

A state-of-the-art chronic dialysis center is looking for a Renal Social Worker. Applicant must have current LMSW/LCSW.

Responsibilities of joining the interdisciplinary team as Social Worker include psychosocial assessment, patient support and counseling, patient education, care plans, facility transfers and ESRD Network/Crownweb reporting.

Hold a masters’ degree social work with specialization in clinical practice from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or

Strong interviewing skills for patient evaluation, problem solving, and recording. Possess strong analytical skills to assist patients in problem solving and resolution. Capable of communicating clearly and effectively with all types of physically and mentally challenged patients and their families

Professional, flexible and a team player. Join us and be a part of a dynamic and professional team!

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct initial patient psychosocial assessment and comprehensive plan of care as well as prepare appropriate documentation for review by interdisciplinary team.
• Provide support, information and assistance in treatment planning.
• Develop and continue to monitor psychosocial goals for plan of care.
• Counsel new patients and families on pre-dialysis education, including treatment options (e.g. transplantation).
• Act as advocate on behalf of patient and family.
• Complete and document initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, evaluations and quarterly notes, along with documenting and monitoring ongoing psychosocial issues and patient goals and readjust when goals not met.
• Notify interdisciplinary team of patient psychosocial issues affecting treatment.
• Facilitate and/or refer patients and families to support/education groups, whenever possible.
• Facilitate education on Advance Directives and treatment modalities.
• Coordinate and participate in patient/family care conferences with interdisciplinary team.
• Analyze and provide information and facilitate referrals to community, private, state and federal agencies based on psychosocial need (e.g. financial programs, medication assistance programs, Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, transportation resources, mental health and chemical dependency resources and home health/homemaking agencies.)
• Provide crisis intervention expertise as necessary.
• Provide assistance to patient and family in adjusting to dialysis and altered life-style, and provide resource information.
• Arranges patient travel arrangements for both guest and permanent patients and ensure completion of arrangements.
• Coordinates patient transfers/ visit to other facilities.
• Assistance regarding health insurance:
• Assist patients with financial concerns for National Kidney Foundation, American Kidney Fund, state renal programs, Veterans Administration, etc.
• Support patient questions regarding Medicare and Medicaid.
• Coordinate patient Medicare and/or Medicaid assistance entitlements and all appropriate documents.
• Assist patients in answering billing questions.
• To help answer commercial insurance questions for patients.
• To provide facility education on commercial-on-commercial insurance economics.
• Comply with policy and procedures and in accordance with state and federal regulation for patient care and services. (Medicare, OSHA, OIG, or other governing agencies)
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Participate in QAPI teams, facility team meetings, and in-services.
• Administer patient quality care in a considerate, respectful manner.
• Communicate with ESRD Network
• Complete and submit all ESRD Network reporting requirements. (CROWNWEB, QIPS)
• Distribute and collection of patient satisfaction survey and KDQOL data input and analyzing data.
• Coordinate and arrange for annual CAHPS survey.

Standards of Caring Behavior

• On all occasions, to approach the patients, families and all visitors in a courteous, friendly manner with respect to their rights and concerns.
• To reduce patients, families and visitors’ anxieties by introducing self, explaining all procedures and possible delays in schedule, orienting them to the facility, and maintaining a neat, professional appearance.
• To converse with patients and their families to ascertain any specific problems that need attention and refers them to appropriate sources when indicated: i.e. Physician, Administrator, Nurse, Dietitian and Social Worker.
• To maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all patients by providing an area for confidential conversation and screening when necessary.
• In general, demonstrates Caring Behaviors through making eye contact, smiling, initiating conversation and sharing a genuine concern for the situation.

Physical, Emotional and Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with the patients, staff, family members, visitors and support regulatory agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must demonstrate a caring attitude and be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at time hostile people within the facility.
• Must adhere to dress code and maintain a high level of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak English and basic math skills in a clear and concise manner.
• Must have communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals