Social Worker

USA Clinics is adding a vascular access/home dialysis service line! We are looking for a dynamic Social Worker to join our team. The Dialysis Social worker works with people affected by emotional, mental, behavioral and medical issues to help them cope with the challenges in their lives in relation to their treatment needs at the dialysis clinic and home dialysis settings.

This position is part-time 1-2 days per week until patient load increases.

• Provide psycho-social support to patients in the dialysis and home dialysis settings which includes providing timely and appropriate assessment, interpretation and diagnosis of mental, social, and emotional disorders in collaboration with other professionals.
• Perform patient assessments in a timely manner required by CMS ESRD Guidelines. Progress Notes are done at least quarterly. Annually a review of a patient’s life plan or long-term care services is done to make sure that their current needs are understood.
• Assist patients in understanding and coping with their medical diagnosis and situations which may require additional education and patient/family reflection of that education.
• Counsel patients about their illness and advise family care givers. Treatment interventions could include individual, group, child, and family therapy, counseling, behavior modification techniques, and coping strategies.
• Interview patients, assess needs, and assist in developing a treatment plan and coping strategy.
• Provide information to other health care professionals about the psycho-social issues that may impact the patient's treatment.
• Assist with making the necessary adjustments to the patient's lifestyle and ensuring the necessary support system is in place.
• Provide information and refer patients to appropriate services including support groups, home healthcare providers, assisted living facilities, grief counselors and legal aid. Assist with scheduling appointments for or with patient.
• Act as a liaison between clients, family members and the health care system
• Assist patients with health care insurance paperwork, financial assistance programs, claiming benefits.
• Monitor adherence and need for adjustments to treatment plan and recommendations.
• Maintain current and accurate records in compliance with policies, regulations and legislation.
• Acts as Grievance Officer for the Dialysis Center for concerns and their follow up.
• Act as a resource or preceptor for teammates with less experience.
• Acts as a resource or subject matter expert for other facility personnel.
• Verifies accurate charges and documentation are submitted in a timely manner.
• Comply with Dialysis facility policies and procedures for infection control, safety, and quality.
• Responds appropriately and aids in emergency situations. Necessary staff to remain onsite for evacuation needs of any patients as set forth by Administrator and Dialysis RN Manager. Provide crisis management leadership and support as needed.
• Regularly communicate with Administrator throughout day to plan, confirm, coordinate, and organize patient care.
• Assist the Administrator in quality measures, i.e., audits, infection control compliance and accreditation preparation
• Fosters quality improvement by participating in quality meetings, track and trend concerns and other social service flagging areas to present at QAPI meetings.
• Participate in dialysis daily stand-up meetings, and phone/web-based conferences as required.
• Inform Administrator and Medical Director of all incidents, conditions, problems, counseling regarding teammates, patient care, or facilities.
• Work overtime as needed and approved.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.