Master Social Worker - MSW

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

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 health care 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. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Indicators and Outcomes and Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and quality of life and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMCNA Quality Goals.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Indicators and Outcomes and Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Activities, including those related to patient satisfaction and quality of life and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMCNA Quality Goals.
• 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.
• Patient Education
• Works with patient, family and health care team to provide education tailored to the patient’s learning style, communication barriers, and needs.
• Facilitates the transplant referral process and collaborates with interdisciplinary team on transplant waitlist management.
• Reviews patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information (company and network) and other facilities policies with patient and/or the patients’ representative to ensure patients’ understanding of the rights and expectations of them.
• Insurance and Financial Assistance
• Collaborates and functions as a liaison for patient with Insurance Coordinators to address issues related to insurance.
• Collaborates with the Insurance Coordinator of any changes to patient state that impacts insurance i.e. transplantation, discharged, loss of coverage, or extended travel.
• Refers patients to patient billing solutions (PBS) department for questions/concerns in regard to treatment related bills.
• Staff Related
• Aids in the 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.
• Contributes and participates with weekly team huddles. Discusses any urgent patient issues with staff.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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.

Travel required (if multiple facilities)

SUPERVISION

None

Education and Required Credentials

• Masters in Social Work
• Must have state required license

Experience and Skills

• 2 – 5 years’ related experience

Bonus Eligibility

• Non-Bonus Eligible Positions: includes language about medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave.
• Bonus Eligible Positions: includes language about medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.

EEO, Disability/Veterans

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

Equal Opportunity Employer, disability/veterans