MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER

This position will assist 1917 Clinic patients who have a diagnosis of HIV and their families in implementing their medical plan, making full use of available national, state, institutional, community and pharmaceutical resources.  This position would serve as a full-time floater fill in when needed when clinic medical social workers are utilizing leave. Utilizes professional skills to provides support, education and counseling to help patients feel safe, empowered and hopeful with the primary goal of long-term retention in care and positive health outcomes.  May provide supervision for social work students.

Key Duties, Primary Responsibilities:

•  To assist patients and their families in making full use of available national, state, institutional, community and pharmaceutical resources
• To provide social evaluation which includes placement of evaluation in medical record
• To provide counseling to patients/families and/or groups
• To participate in staffing, clinics and rounds in order to enhance team understanding of patients psychosocial situation
• To facilitate discharge planning; arranges for services such as home health, hospice, durable medical equipment and/or skilled nursing facility placement
• To respond to the unique needs of the patient population as needed
• May provide anticipatory, permanency and/or bereavement/loss counseling to patients and families and/or makes appropriate community referrals
• May supervise both bachelors and masters level students
• To act as a liaison to the community through public speaking
• Prepare, be present and participate with an multidisciplinary team to provide direct social services to patients during assigned clinics while also enhancing theams understanding of patient
• Consult with medical provider as needed to provide comprehensive care
• Work in collaboration with all members of the health care team to provide social service assistance and assist in patients in attaining medical treatment goals
• Provide direct patient care for a caseload of approximately 250 patients with a diagnosis of HIV and their families
• This includes a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan that addresses basic needs, independent living, mental health, social support, transportation, intimate partner violence and the medical plan
• Full comprehension that a patient who does not have basic needs met, such as food and shelter, is likely unable to prioritize their health and medical plan
• Assist patients in implementing the medical treatment plan through acquisition of medication, durable medical equipment and arranging for home health, hospice, and/or skilled nursing facility placement
• Provide assistance with social and practical environmental problems through community referral, problem solving and education
• Procures national, state, local and hospital resources for those who are uninsured or underinsured to obtain insurance, medical care, medication and/or medical equipment
•  Guides patients in addressing billing challenges and errors
•  Conduct New Patient Orientation interviews for patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV, transferring or re-engaging in medical care
• Provide safe and supportive space for patients in order to provide education about HIV, harm reduction and clinic operations to achieve adherence to medication and medical appointments
• Maintain a working knowledge of national, state, institutional, community and pharmaceutical resources needed to provide patients with resources to achieve their medical goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

• Ability to provide strength-based, patient centered social services using a trauma informed lens   Motivational Interviewing skills  
• Written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and de-escalation skills  
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team  
• Ability to perform a variety of duties often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure  
• Basic knowledge of pc applications, software and database management  
• Must be able to accept responsibility for the direction, control and planning of one’s own work  
• Leadership skills  
• Must be self-directed/self-motivated 

Annual Salary Range – $47,665 – $70,000

 

Qualifications

 

• Master’s degree in Social Work required
• Work experience may not substitute for education requirement
• If job is in The Kirklin Clinic (TKC), previous experience in a healthcare environment preferred
• Currently licensed or eligible to be licensed as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners required
• If job is in The Kirklin Clinic (TKC), license must be obtained within six months of employment

 
Primary Location
: University
Job Category
: Social Work
Organization
: 311402400 Med – Infectious Diseases
Employee Status
: Regular
Shift: Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite