Medical Social Worker - KWZ Solutions

Job Title: Social Worker for Dialysis Organization
Job ID: 75779
Location: San Jose, California


What you will be doing:

• Responsible for conducting psychosocial assessments, participating in team review of the patient's current psychosocial needs and providing management of services to patients to assist them in coping with the psychosocial problems associated with chronic kidney disease & dialysis treatments.

• Possess or develops knowledge about ESRD/CKD and its treatments; psychosocial implications for individuals & families, appropriate social work interventions, systems of entitlements, community resources & services.

• Completes a comprehensive psychosocial assessment on all patients following regulatory & professional guidelines. Collaborates as a member of the health care team to develop, implement & evaluate ongoing patient care plans.

• Demonstrates willingness to help patients; acknowledges and responds to patient's needs promptly and appropriately.

• Makes home visits as approved by the Clinical Manager.

• Facilitates new patients and their families, admission and orientation to dialysis care; addressing patient and family member needs in their adjustment to the dialysis regimen.

• Assists patients in making applications for appropriate insurance coverage & welfare benefits prior to admission whenever possible.

• Assists patients in coordinating arrangements for transportation to/from dialysis care.

• Works with the Director of Social Work Services & MSW colleagues to develop and implement social work components for all patient programs offered by the company; including developing and updating policies and procedures in conjunction with the Clinical Manager.

• Makes referrals for resources in the community; advocating for patient access to services such as vocational rehab., in home care, housing, hospice, etc. as needed.

• Provides supportive brief counseling interventions, including crisis interventions, for stresses stemming from dialysis and chronic disease and its impact.

• Refers to external providers for long term counseling needs.

• Develops and facilitates support groups or psychoeducation meetings for patients whenever a need is indicated.

• Assists patients with making traveling/transient arrangements as needed. Participates in CPR as needed. Knows and follow all Satellite policies and procedures for infection control.

• Understands the hazards of failure to follow those procedures.

• *Adheres to standards of conduct policies, (i.e. dress code, professionalism, etc).

• Participates in staff meetings, patient reviews, in services and Satellite social work meetings.

• Participates in unit planning, procedure, & policy develop. when appropriate.

• Provides education for staff pertaining to psychosocial needs of patients and provides consultation to staff and job related concerns. Initiates and/or helps to conduct surveys/research pertaining to patient psychosocial needs.

• Develops a resource file of community services to refer patients to as needed.

• Reviews literature and/or utilizes appropriate educational resources to update knowledge and develop skills according to policy.

• Actively participates in facility's Quality Assurance program. Contributes to harmonious, positive and productive work atmosphere through actions and altitude. Ensures the confidentiality of patient & employee info.

• Participates in self &/or peer evaluations. Promotes a teamwork approach by offering info, advice and assistance to all unit staff members in a positive, courteous & cooperative manner.

• Communicates significant information to appropriate team members. Documents in a clear, concise, accurate and timely manner. Understands and uses effective professional communication techniques. Speaks English only in patient care area unless interpreting.

• Manages conflict in a productive way; working toward resolution for all involved. Maintains rapport and working relationships with other staff members, patients and families & community providers. *presents Bloodborne pathogen exposure

What you must have:
Experience

• One year of work experience in a behavioral or healthcare related setting.

• Licensure as a professional social worker as designated by state requirements.

• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and satisfactorily communicate with others in English. Basic computer skills; proficient enough to be able to use computer software programs for medical record maintenance. Current CPR certification (or within 3 months of hire date).

• All social work staff is supervised by a social worker with an advanced clinical license. Depending on state regulations specific to the location of the clinic, an MSW may receive clinical supervision for accrual of hours to preparation for the licensure exam. Steps: The MSW career ladder has 4 steps; I through IV. Criteria for progressing up the steps have increased expectations of the employee's performance, years employment with Satellite, and licensure or certification status. (*All new hires will receive a detailed packet on the MSW Career Ladder).

  • •Step I: 1 year social work employment in a clinical setting/medical/healthcare, <1 year dialysis MSW experience

  • •Step II: Satellite MSW employment for 2 years, or Other MSW clinical employment >2 years full time, licensed or eligible per state requirements

  • •Step Ill: Satellite employment as an MSW 5 years. License required or relevant certification.

  • •Step IV: 8 years Satellite employment as an MSW. License required. Progressing up the steps on the career ladder: At performance evaluation lime each year an MSW may submit an application to progress to the next step on the ladder. The application requires reference letters, past performance evaluations, and a current resume be submitted. The applicants work in the company's medical record system will also be audited using a specific format to determine quality of the social work interventions. A personal interview with a panel is scheduled and that panel then votes to approve/disapprove the step advancement.*