Case Worker

Unity Health Care • Washington, DC

388d • $48,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Case Worker at Unity Health Care plays a crucial role in supporting a diverse patient population aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. Under the supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Case Worker serves as the main contact for patients referred to the Food Pharmacy, assisting them with filling prescriptions, promoting healthy eating, and providing education and support. The position involves advocacy, coordination of care, and ensuring patients have access to necessary community resources.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two (2) or more years working in a community health or social service setting required.
• Experience working with vulnerable and at-risk populations required.
• Outreach experience and knowledge of community resources required.
• Motivational interviewing skills a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services related field preferred.
• 1 year of experience working in a community health or social services agency required.
• Internship experience considered.
• Ability to type and use electronic health records software program.
• Proficient in most products of Office 365 (Word, Excel, Power Point and Teams).

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in underserviced communities and vulnerable populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals to the Food Pharmacy within established timeframe.
• Assist patients with following food prescriptions.
• Provide guidance to patients regarding food selection per the prescription.
• Provide education and support regarding healthy eating, individually or via presentations and/or workshops.
• Initiate outreach to assigned caseload to educate patients on available social services assistance.
• Coordinate with case manager to develop case plans for assigned caseload.
• Engage with assigned caseload to increase patient compliance with medical treatment and social service case plan.
• Assist patients to address social needs impacting their healthcare by completing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening and making necessary referrals.
• Provide advocacy, referral, and linkage to community resources and support networks to address identified needs.
• Provide regular follow-up to all patients to ensure successful linkage to and utilization of community resources and/or in-house services, and problem-solve as necessary.
• Utilize strength-based, person-centered approach and motivational interviewing techniques to build rapport and engage patients into services.
• Develop a therapeutic working relationship with patients.
• Complete other social services screenings as necessary.
• Provide weekly and monthly updates on Food Pharmacy operations and caseload.
• Accurately document all patient encounters within established time frames.
• Assess for and assist with insurance and other social services benefits as necessary.
• Maintain professional relationship and appropriate boundaries with patients.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and regular supervision.
• Attend regular departmental, health center, and agency meetings, activities, and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Education Level: High school or GED