Instructor, Social Worker for Elder Abuse Intervention in Primary Care

Job Summary:

The Division of Geriatrics is seeking a compassionate social worker to join our multidisciplinary team in a geriatrics. This provider will help lead the development and implementation of a new elder abuse intervention program, embedded into primary care.  This is a grant funded position and will include direct clinical care, administrative duties, and participation in research activities.

This integrated care management and behavioral health position will provide comprehensive care coordination, resource navigation, and evidenced-based interventions to older adults experiencing mistreatment and their families or support networks. This position will work in close collaboration with the medical team, including geriatricians, clinical pharmacists, nurses, medical assistants, and care managers. This position will also include outreach work with adult protective services, law enforcement, and other community providers.

This is a 0.5-1.0 FTE position, including actively participating in Division of Geriatrics meetings, clinical care conferences, and university service/committee work.

Key Responsibilities:

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Assess the psychosocial needs of geriatric patients and families dealing with elder mistreatment

• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team

• Identify and connect patients with appropriate community resources, including transportation, housing, and financial assistance.

• Assist patients in applying for public benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care services

• Advocate for patients and address barriers to care, including socioeconomic factors and health literacy issues

• Serves as a liaison between the patient, healthcare providers, and other community agencies

Behavioral Health & Clinical Care

• Using motivational interviewing and restorative practices to engage patients and supportive loved ones in care

• Offers crisis intervention and support for patients experiencing abuse and neglect

• Coordinates referrals to specialty mental health services when indicated, ensuring continuity of care.

• Participate in QI projects and facilitates group visits as needed.

Administrative & Research Activities

• Help schedule meetings with research team members

• Complete data auditing

• Contribute to team discussions regarding research methodology

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Geriatric Medicine is a highly collaborative, interprofessional team that provides health care to older adults, educates learners from multiple disciplines, and conducts research to improve the lives of older adults and those who care for them. The VESPA team is a dedicated team of social work, geriatricians, forensic nurses, and others who work to improve the care of older adults who have experienced mistreatment. This innovative team aims to improve care through direct clinical care, education to other providers and community members, research, and advocacy.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution.

• Current and unrestricted Colorado state licensure as an LMSW, LSW, or LCSW.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in care management, integrated behavioral health in primary care, healthcare settings, protective services, victims services, or other relevant clinical experience.

• Expertise in evidence-based behavioral interventions and psychotherapies (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, etc.).

• Experience working with older adults and knowledge of common behavioral and physical health issues among older adults (e.g., chronic disease management, sleep disruption, depression/anxiety, cognitive decline, grief, caregiver stress, etc.). 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clinical skills conducting brief and targeted assessments to provide evidence-based brief interventions, health and behavior change, and triage for appropriate level of care.

• A growth mindset that supports flexibility and adaptability in an evolving healthcare environment.

• Works well with diverse patient populations.

• Works effectively both as part of a team and independently.

• Comfort working with a wide variety of teams including clinics, home health care, adult protection, and law enforcement agencies.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clinic providers and staff.

• Works effectively on multiple tasks and maintains a well-organized work environment.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with professionals across disciplines.

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with ethical codes and state and federal laws.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: SABRINA FERGUSON, Sabrina.ferguson@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$40,000 to $80,000 

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.