The Social Worker must demonstrate familiarity with dialysis procedures and the knowledge, skills, and judgement necessary to assume the responsibility of caring for the dialysis patient. This position exercises knowledge of patient rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all patients in a safe, secure environment. This individual cooperates and works together with all co-workers to plan and complete job duties with applicable supervisory direction, including exercising job-appropriate judgement.
Essential Functions:
1. Complies with all Company policies and procedures as well as federal, state, OSHA, and other agency regulations applicable to the position. 2. Handles patient information with discretion and sensitivity and maintains HIPAA compliance. 3. Utilizes tactful and professional communication to promote positive public relations with patients, patient family members, physicians, co-workers, outside agencies and service providers. 4. Provides comprehensive psychosocial assessment on each patient at admission and yearly thereafter. 5. Assists patients and family members with the adjustment to dialysis and informs both patient's Rights and Responsibilities, Facility Rules, Grievance Procedure, HIPAA Privacy Rules and facility policies. Continues to assist patients with psychosocial problems related to dialysis throughout the patient's treatment at the facility. 6. Assists patients in obtaining financial assistance and medical insurance coverage, transportation, travel, home health care, and assists in developing and/or improving facility and community resources to meet patients' needs. 7. As a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), participates in the completion of Comprehensive Assessments and Plans of Care for all patients, including participating in care plan meetings and ensuring coordination with other service providers as needed. 8. Maintains records in accordance with facility policy and E.S.R.D. regulations. Must complete Progress Notes at least quarterly. 9. As a member of the Total Quality Management (TQM) team, participates in the facility's Continuous Quality Improvement process. 10. Assists with patient education and in-service programs. 11. Keeps abreast of research/literature/developments in nephrology social work and attends appropriate organizational meetings and conferences. 12. Interfaces with multiple federal, state, and local agencies as needed to improve and secure resources for patients. 13. Utilizes Quality Assurance and compliance with all regulatory requirements. 14. Follows up or escalates issues as appropriate with director, immediate supervisor, nurse in charge, co-workers or patients regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns. Competencies:
1. Patient Care - the individual embodies Innovative Renal Care's Core Values through putting patient care first and ensuring that this tenet guides their day-to-day activities. 2. Problem Solving - the individual has the ability to visualize, gather information, articulate, analyze, solve problems, and recommend solution/s in order to increase team productivity and minimize work disruption. 3. Communication - the individual demonstrates open, courteous and effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills that promote cooperation, teamwork and excellence in their work. 4. Planning/organizing - the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans. 5. Quality control - the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality. 6. Adaptability - the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events. 7. Dependability - the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance. 8. Safety and Security - the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, including data security, confidentiality and HIPAA; Uses equipment and materials properly. REQUIREMENTS: Master's degree from an accredited school of social work. Current or eligible for required state licensure. - Required. Meets state-specific requirements, such as LCSW. - Required. Minimum of one year of clinical social work experience, preferably in an ESRD setting. - Required. Current CPR certification - Preferred.
