Social Worker - MSW

About the Role

UPMC Western Maryland's Outpatient Dialysis Department is seeking a full-time Social Worker. This is a full-time position working dayshift, Monday through Friday. Saturdays may be required if needed. The title and pay rate may vary depending on years of relevant experience. Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary from the career ladder based on individual experience and education.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of $6,000 with a 2-year work commitment.

Responsibilities

• Complete a psychosocial assessment that includes social, economic, cultural, age-related, and behavioral factors, history of child, elder or domestic abuse, prior psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, family and social support systems, and all other available resources as appropriate to the clinical situation.
• Educate and advocate for patients and families to enhance their ability to make informed decisions regarding medical care, discharge planning, advance directives, and end-of-life care, including actively participating in the guardianship process when appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with the healthcare team, patients and families, and relevant community resources to develop and implement an individualized plan of care.
• Maintain appropriate professional practice, respecting confidentiality and freedom of choice as outlined by the Code of Ethics by the National Association of Social Workers and the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.
• Continue to monitor and evaluate the plan of care, options, and available services throughout the hospital stay to effectively meet the patient and family's needs. Reassess the plan of care as status changes or at a minimum of every 3 days.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, counsel, and effectively intervene with medically and psychosocially complex patients, understanding complex dynamics related to the clinical situation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of reimbursement systems, educate patients and families regarding payer requirements/coverage for post-acute care services, and effectively advocate on behalf of the patient to obtain authorizations for continued care as appropriate.
• Provide accurate, timely, and appropriate documentation of all social work interventions in the medical record per regulatory policies and procedures.
• Utilize therapeutic counseling methods such as crisis intervention, psychosocial support, brief goal-directed therapy, CISM, and/or other appropriate therapeutic methods.
• Act as a mentor to social work students and/or serve as a field instructor to MSW students.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local assistance programs and community resources that affect patient needs.
• Demonstrate expertise in accessing social systems by providing resource-specific information to patients and families, initiating contact with appropriate resources, and facilitating the patient/family's ability to accept referrals.

Requirements

• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited School of Social Work.
• Active Maryland Social Work License.

Pay

This position offers a sign-on bonus of $6,000 with a 2-year work commitment. The pay rate varies depending on years of relevant experience.