Prelicensed Social Worker at Fresenius Medical Care

PURPOSEANDSCOPE:

Providespsychosocial services to patients treated by the facility includingin-center and home dialysis patients (if applicable) utilizingSocial Work Theory of Human Behavior and accepted methods of socialwork practice. Works with the health care team to promote positiveadjustment, rehabilitation and improved quality of life for ourpatients. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team,informs, educates and supports staff in understanding theemotional, psychological and behavioral impact of Chronic KidneyDisease on the patient and family to ensure comprehensive qualitycare of our patients. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the QualityIndicators and Outcomes and Quality Assessment and Improvement(QAI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfactionand quality of life and actively participates in processimprovement activities that enhance the likelihood that patientswill achieve the FMCNA Quality Goals. This is an entry level MSWrole.

PRINCIPALDUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

• PatientAssessment / Care Planning /Counseling
  • As a memberof the interdisciplinary team, assesses patients' psychosocialstatus, strengths and areas of need that may affect rehabilitationand optimal treatment outcomes as part of the comprehensive patientassessment.
  • Participates in careplanning in collaboration with the patient and healthcare team toidentify effective interventions that will help the patient meetrehabilitation, treatment goals, and improve quality oflife.
  • Utilizes FKCpatient education programs, established social work theory andmethods, social work focused interventions, and quality of lifemeasurement instruments as part of assessment and care planning toaddress barriers and meet patient treatmentgoals.
  • Provide monitoring andinterventions for the patient to adjust to dialysis and achieveoptimal psychosocial status and quality oflife
  • Provide supportive counseling services topatients as permitted within the scope of their clinical trainingand state license
  • Provideseducational and goal directed counseling to patients who areseekingtransplant.
  • Providesinformation and assists the team and patient with referral tocommunity resources (home health services, vocationalrehabilitation, etc.) to facilitate optimal treatmentoutcomes.
  • Maintainscurrent knowledge regarding local vocational/educationalrehabilitation programs and assist patients with referral andaccess to vocational rehabilitation to enable them to remainemployed, become employed or receive education.
  • Assesses patientawareness of advance directives; assists with accessing advancedirective forms/information and facilitates discussion of advancedirective wishes, if necessary, with the healthcare team and thepatient's family/supportpersons.
  • Incollaboration with the physician and nurse, participates in thediscussion of patient DNR status in the facility to ensure patientand/or family understand and make an informed decision about theircare.
  • Knowledgeable ofand adheres to FMCNA Social Work Policy and Measuring PatientPhysical and Mental Function Policy, includingdocumentation.
  • Documentsbased on MSW interaction and interventions provided to patientand/or family.

• Quality
  • Providespsychosocial support and/or Social Work Focused Interventions toaddress non-adherence, quality outcome, and quality of lifeconcerns for all patients based on acuitylevel.
  • Participates inmonthly Quality review meetings with the interdisciplinary team.Reports on quality indicators related to adherence, such as Missedand Shortened Treatments, Quality of Life Trends, and ServiceRecovery.
• PatientEducation
  • Assessespatient knowledge of kidney disease for barriers that may affectadherence to treatment. Works with patient, family and health careteam to provide education tailored to the patient’s learning style,communication barriers, andneeds.
  • With othermembers of the interdisciplinary team, provides appropriateinformation about all treatmentmodalities.
  • Facilitatesthe transplant referral process and collaborates withinterdisciplinary team on transplant waitlistmanagement.
  • Providesongoing education to patient/family regarding psychosocial issuesrelated to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and all support servicesthat are available.
  • Reviews patientrights and responsibilities, grievance information (company andnetwork) and other facilities policies with patient and/or thepatients’ representative to ensure patients’ understanding of therights and expectations ofthem.
  • Collaborateswith the team on appropriate QAIactivities.
• PatientAdmission and Continuity ofCare
  • Review PatientRights and Responsibilities, Grievance Procedure & ImportantNumbers Handout, FKC Non-discrimination policy, DNR Statement (ifapplicable) and address any immediateneeds/concerns
  • Understandsthe referral and admission process and supports the clinic inregard to the patient needs for scheduling to maximize adherenceand adjustment
  • The Social Workerwill interview the patient to identify root causes or concerns forthe discharge request, (i.e. transfer to hospice, relocation,dissatisfaction with services or staff) and share causes/concernswith operationalleadership
• Insuranceand FinancialAssistance
  • Collaboratesand functions as a liaison for patient with Insurance Coordinatorsto address issues related to insurance.
  • In collaboration withInsurance Coordinators, provides information and education topatients about payment to dialysis (federal, state, commercialinsurance, state renal programs, AKF HIPP, and entitlementprograms)
  • Collaboratewith the Insurance Coordinator of any changes to patient state thatimpacts insurance i.e. transplantation, discharged, loss ofcoverage, or extendedtravel.
  • Refer patientsto patient billing solutions (PBS) department forquestions/concerns in regard to treatment relatedbills
• StaffRelated
  • Assists withinterview process and decision to hire new personnel if requestedby SW Manager/Senior Manager.
  • Works with theadministrative support staff to maintain updated patient resourcelists (e.g. maintain updated list of transportation resources).
  • Provides training tostaff pertaining to psychosocial topics as needed.
  • Contributes andparticipates with weekly team huddles. Discusses any urgent patientissues with staff.
• Adheresto work defined caseload guidelines based on state regulatoryrequirements.
• Instates where required works under appropriate supervision to meetstate requirements.
• Performs otherrelated duties asassigned.

PHYSICALDEMANDS AND WORKINGCONDITIONS:

• Thephysical demands and work environment characteristics describedhere are representative of those an employee encounters whileperforming the essential functions of this job. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions.
• Travelrequired (if multiplefacilities)

SUPERVISION:

• None

EDUCATIONAND REQUIREDCREDENTIALS:

• Mastersin Social Work
• Musthave state temporary license, Registered Social Worker ClinicalIntern, Associated Social Work license or Provisional LCSW License(if required bystate)
• Obtainsnecessary state licensure to work independently without supervisionwithin the first two (2) years or as required by state guidelines.

EXPERIENCEAND SKILLS:         

• 0– 2 years’ relatedexperience

"Therate of pay for this position will depend on the successfulcandidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevanteducation, work experience, skills, andcompetencies.

Annual Rate:$71000 - $90000

Non-BonusEligible Positions: include language below.
BenefitOverview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits packageincluding medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) withcompany match, paid time off, parentalleave.

Bonus EligiblePositions – include language below. 
BenefitOverview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits packageincluding medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) withcompany match, paid time off, parental leave and potential forperformance-based bonuses depending on company and individualperformance."
 

EO/AAEmployer:Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/SexualOrientation/GenderIdentity

FreseniusMedical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace inaccordance with applicable federal and statelaws.