Social Worker, Dialysis - FT

Social Worker - Dialysis

• Janesville, Wisconsin
• 40 hours/week schedule
• Full-time, benefits eligible

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan with a competitive matching contribution and paid time off.  Mercyhealth offers several education assistance programs to support employees in their career advancement.  Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs, employee-only discount packages, paid parental and caregiver leaves, on-demand pay, special payment programs for patient services, and financial education to help with retirement planning.

The Social Worker provides counseling, information, and direction to obtain community resources when needed for patients of the dialysis department and their families, while collaborating with physicians, nurses, and the allied health team according to the plan of care by performing the following:

Job Duties:

The social worker will assist the patient/family in achieving successful adjustment to the physical, financial, and psychosocial constraints of ESRD by providing appropriate and timely services and referrals.

• Completion of Comprehensive Assessments and Care Planning with all patients initially, at 90 days, and annually (monthly for unstable patients).
• Patient education in a format appropriate to their education physical and communication needs.
• Patient Rights and responsibilities, Grievance Procedure and Patient Agreement will be reviewed, and a written handout will be given.
• Individual and/or family counseling as needed.
• Available support services and education regarding community resources will be provided as indicated.
• Transient dialysis will be arranged by patient request.
• Complete Advanced Care planning with patients as requested.
• Work to complete PHQ-9 and KDQOL with all patients at a minimum annually.
• The social worker will assist with new patient intake and required documentation.
• The social worker will assist with completion of necessary documentation for CMS ESRD reporting.
• The social worker will complete sections of QAPI as assigned to them and attend QAPI meetings.  
• Performs home visits to patient’s dwelling. Investigates case situations and presents information to members of the health team on patient’s family and social background pertinent to diagnosis and treatment.
• Assess patients for continuing care needs, create a plan for providing continuing care, and confers with physician and team members as needed.
• Refers patient or patient’s family to other community resources as is indicated; assists patients and families to complete advance directives.
• Educates patients about resources, options, and documents all activities in a timely manner.
• The MSW provide emotional support, helps patients and families understand and accept their condition as well as accepting medical recommendations; utilizes community resources to assist patients to live in the community; responsible for travel arrangements for patients; responsible for arranging changes in levels of care and settings.
• The MSW participates in team meetings regularly to provide input during patient case conferences and to educate team members regarding social work interventions that can be provided.
• May be required to work flexible hours.

Requirements:

Masters degree in Social Work (MSW)

Currently Licensed (LCSW/LSW) in the State of Illinois and/or Wisconsin

Dialysis, home health, or hospice experience desired

One year social work experience in a healthcare setting

Experience and ability to facilitate groups             

Maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested

Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth HR-01 Fleet Safety policy