Master Social Worker - MSW

Full-time position, Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm). This role is split between Chelmsford, MA and Danvers, MA, with one flexible remote day per month option after 90 days. No prior MSW dialysis experience required; 12 weeks of paid and structured training with an assigned Preceptor and Senior Social Worker.

About the Role

Provides psychosocial services to patients treated by the facility, including in-center and home dialysis patients, utilizing Social Work Theory of Human Behavior and accepted methods of social work practice. Works with the healthcare team to promote positive adjustment, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life for 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 patients and families to ensure comprehensive quality care. Supports Fresenius Kidney Care’s commitment to Quality Indicators, Outcomes, and Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) activities.

Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment / Care Planning / Counseling
  • Assesses patients' psychosocial status, strengths, and areas of need as part of the comprehensive patient assessment.
  • Participates in care planning to identify effective interventions that help patients meet rehabilitation and treatment goals.
  • Utilizes patient education programs, social work theory, and quality of life measurement instruments to address barriers and meet treatment goals.
  • Provides monitoring and interventions to help patients adjust to dialysis and achieve optimal psychosocial status and quality of life.
  • Provides supportive counseling services to patients within the scope of clinical training and state license.
  • Provides educational and goal-directed counseling to patients seeking transplant.
  • Assists with referrals to community resources (e.g., home health services, vocational rehabilitation) to facilitate optimal treatment outcomes.
  • Maintains current knowledge of local vocational/educational rehabilitation programs and assists patients with referrals.
  • Assesses patient awareness of advance directives and facilitates discussions as needed.
  • Participates in discussions of patient DNR status with the healthcare team and patient/family.
  • Adheres to FMCNA Social Work Policy and Measuring Patient Physical and Mental Function Policy, including documentation.
• Quality
  • Provides psychosocial support and interventions to address non-adherence, quality outcomes, and quality of life concerns.
  • Participates in monthly Quality review meetings and reports on quality indicators related to adherence and service recovery.
• Patient Education
  • Assesses patient knowledge of kidney disease and tailors education to address barriers affecting adherence.
  • Provides information about all treatment modalities in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
  • Facilitates the transplant referral process and collaborates on transplant waitlist management.
  • Educates patients and families on psychosocial issues related to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and available support services.
  • Reviews patient rights, responsibilities, grievance procedures, and facility policies with patients and/or representatives.
• Patient Admission and Continuity of Care
  • Reviews patient rights, grievance procedures, and other key policies during admission.
  • Supports the clinic in scheduling to maximize patient adherence and adjustment.
  • Interviews patients to identify root causes of discharge requests and shares concerns with operational leadership.
• Insurance and Financial Assistance
  • Collaborates with Insurance Coordinators to address patient insurance issues.
  • Provides education to patients about payment options for dialysis (e.g., federal, state, commercial insurance, state renal programs, AKF HIPP, entitlement programs).
  • Refers patients to the Patient Billing Solutions (PBS) department for treatment-related billing questions.
• Staff Related
  • Assists with interviewing and hiring new personnel if requested by the Social Work Manager/Senior Manager.
  • Maintains updated patient resource lists (e.g., transportation resources).
  • Provides training to staff on psychosocial topics as needed.
  • Participates in weekly team huddles to discuss urgent patient issues.
  • Adheres to caseload guidelines based on state regulatory requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
• Must hold a Massachusetts state license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).
• Meets applicable scope of practice board and licensure requirements in the state of employment.

Qualifications

• 0 – 2 years of related experience.

Pay

Annual rate: $57,000.00 - $107,000.00, depending on qualifications and whether the role is classified as MSW I or MSW II.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm).
• Major holidays off.
• One flexible remote day per month after 90 days.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described 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 may be required for multiple facilities or home visits.