Social Worker-Ambulatory II - Pediatric Primary Care Clinic

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina. UNC Health is expanding social work support in the Pediatric Primary Care Specialty Clinic at Carolina Point II to enhance patient and family access, care coordination, and psychosocial support.

About the Role

A Social Worker – Ambulatory II is an integral member of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive support and services to patients and their families. They play a vital role in promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being. The Clinical Social Worker is responsible for conducting assessments, developing patient-centered care plans, facilitating resources, monitoring progress, advocating for patients, and building trust-based relationships.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, with extended evening coverage to 7:00pm two days per week (10:30am-7:00pm).

Responsibilities

• Assessments: Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate patient needs and identify barriers to their overall functioning, including support systems, coping mechanisms, mental health conditions, and psychosocial factors.
• Patient-Centered Care Plans: Collaborate with the healthcare team and the patient to develop individualized care plans addressing unique needs, goals, and preferences, integrating medical, psychological, and social aspects for a holistic approach. Facilitate optimal patient care transitions to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or emergency department utilization.
• Resource Facilitation: Connect patients and families with community resources, mental health services, support groups, and other relevant programs. Assist with referrals for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and coordinate care with other providers. Educate patients and families on available resources. Coordinate and deliver patient education, referrals, and transitions of care, including referrals for home health, hospice, DME, and long-term care.
• Documentation and Billing: Accurately document and bill for services rendered in compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.
• Crisis Management: Identify possible or actual patient/family crises, provide crisis intervention and emotional support, and create effective plans for resolution. Provide brief interventions for mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders within the scope of practice for an LCSW.
• Progress Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate patient care plans to assess response to interventions, measure outcomes, and make necessary adjustments. Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate follow-up and continuity of care. Update care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team according to patient clinical course and continuing care needs.
• Advocacy: Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system and community, ensuring access to appropriate treatment, facilitating communication between patients and their healthcare team, and addressing barriers impacting patient well-being.
• Active Listening: Engage in active listening to understand patients' experiences, concerns, and emotions. Provide a safe, non-judgmental space for patients to express themselves, offering empathy, validation, and support.
• Motivational Interviewing: Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assist patients in reaching their health goals.
• Respect for Individuality: Recognize and respect the unique values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of each patient. Tailor interventions and support to align with individual needs and preferences.
• Building Trust: Build trust-based relationships with patients and families by demonstrating empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism. Foster open communication, collaboration, and a therapeutic alliance. Actively participate in meetings, problem-solving, goal setting, quality improvement, and patient satisfaction initiatives. Facilitate team meetings, provide training and education, develop standard work, and oversee process implementation as appropriate. Serve as a consultative resource for team members, providers, and colleagues.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of North Carolina.
• Three (3) years of broad clinical experience in a healthcare setting for patients with complex medical conditions.

Skills

• Knowledge of mental health conditions, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.

Pay

Salary Range: $33.37 - $47.97 per hour (Hiring Range). Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity.

This is a full-time, onsite position located in Chapel Hill, NC, with standard hours of 40.00 per week.