Social Worker

At UW Health in northern Illinois, you will have :
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, retirement, short and long-term disability, paternity leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance
• Annual wellness reimbursement
• Opportunity for on-site day care through UW Health Kids
• Tuition reimbursement for career advancement--ask about our fully funded programs!
• Abundant career growth opportunities to nurture professional development
• Strong shared governance structure
• Commitment to employee voice
POSITION SUMMARY:
Assist the care coordination team (provider, nurse, care managers, care coordinators etc.) by providing medical social work services to patients and their families in the inpatient setting to enhance psychosocial functioning and continuity of care. Provides advocacy, information and referral services to patients and families to address their medical and psychosocial needs. Provides assistance with overall program development, community development, training and education in area of responsibility. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and educational experiences in support of departmental philosophy and objectives, as well as, Health System initiatives.
EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Masters degree in Social Work required. At least two years experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
State of Illinois licensure required within 1 year of starting in this role.
EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES :
Successful completion of annual clinical job specific competencies and skill verification tools required. Knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with patients, physicians, families, managers and members of the community under varied conditions. Excellent organizational, critical-thinking and conflict resolution skills required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments and evaluations to determine patient and family needs considering age, economic, psychological, physical and environmental factors in accordance with Agency guidelines and established timeframes. Maintains confidentiality of position acquired information.

1. Collaborates with medical staff, nursing, other health professionals and community agencies to assure the integration of social work services with other areas. Organizes, leads and participates in patient care conferences, meetings and case reviews, as necessary.

1. Develops, implements and evaluates an appropriate intervention plan of care. Performs psychosocial interventions for clients /family following established standards of practice.

1. Work with the care coordination team to develop, implement and carry out programs in chronic disease management for patients, with such problems as diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, hypertension and depression, based on the chronic disease management model.

1. Assist in the coordination of care with pharmacies, insurance companies and other providers in the community. Ensure that information goes when and where it is needed.

1. Appropriately documents social work interventions and plan in the medical record maintaining the confidentiality of position acquired information.

1. Provides counseling services to patients and their families to increase the level of psychosocial functioning within scope of position and makes appropriate community referrals as necessary.

1. Plans, develops and provides educational programs to patients and families, community groups and healthcare professionals.

1. Assists in the supervision, training, education, orientation and validation of competency of new employees, students, other healthcare professionals and community workers, as requested.

1. Performs all aspects of care in an environment that optimizes patient and environmental safety and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and compliance efforts.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
UW Health is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Our integrity shines through in patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged. EOE, including disability/veterans.