Social Worker - Ped Hematology/Oncology

About the role

This position comprehensively plans for the coordination of care for the WVU Medicine patient population across the continuum. Performs psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, resource management, discharge planning, care facilitation, and referrals to alternate levels of care. Works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary care team to facilitate achievement of desired treatment outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of transition/discharge planning for assigned patients in a timely manner using escalation processes as needed when barriers encountered.
• Collaborates with all members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate the transition/discharge process for designated caseload.
• Maintains extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local assistance programs and community resources that affect patient needs.
• Communicates with the multidisciplinary team and post-acute providers when applicable, any complex family dynamics that may directly impact patient care and transition/discharge planning.
• Initiates and facilitates referrals to post-acute services- including but not limited to- Homecare, Durable Medical Equipment, Hospice Care, Long Term Acute Care Facilities, Acute Rehab Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.
• Communicates all necessary information regarding transition/discharge plan to the multidisciplinary team, patient and family.
• Assists other team members to understand and appreciate a patient and/or family’s reaction to a serious illness and/or chronic illness/disease as well as to understand other environmental factors affecting care, treatment and compliance.
• Maintains thorough documentation of interactions with patient and/or families and all transition/discharge planning activities and progress according to regulatory policies and procedures.
• Utilizes clinical skill and expertise to provide assessment, intervention, and where appropriate, reporting for complex abuse, neglect, Foster Care, adoption, Mental health placement, homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault situations.
• Collaborates for appropriate resource and financial management which may include but is not limited to-financial assistance coordination/referrals, entitlement program coordination/referrals, or patient benefit coordination.
• Uses quality screens in the electronic record to identify potential issues including but not limited to- avoidable delays and readmissions.
• Edits hospital staff and physicians to payer regulations and managed care principals to prevent denials.
• Fosters the integration of staff and/or students into the healthcare team.
• Exhibits professional behavior on a consistent basis.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Social Work
• Current social worker licensure as required by the state where work is being performed.
• WV: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW) through the West Virginia Board of Social Work
• MD: Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C) through the Maryland Board of Social Work

Preferred Qualifications

One to three years of experience preferred

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Environment

The 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.

Skills and Abilities

Possesses excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families, physicians, and health care team colleagues. Ability to work with people of all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds and be flexible, open minded, and adaptable to change. Capable of independent judgment and action regarding psychosocial needs of patients.