Master Social Worker - MSW

Fresenius Medical Care•Noblesville, IN

About The Position

Provides psychosocial services to in-center and, where applicable, home dialysis patients using social work theory and accepted social work practice methods. Works with the healthcare team to promote patients’ adjustment, rehabilitation, and quality of life, and helps staff understand the emotional, psychological, and behavioral effects of chronic kidney disease on patients and families. Supports quality indicators, outcomes, assessment, and improvement activities, including patient satisfaction and quality of life. This is an entry-level MSW role.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Must hold a state temporary license, Registered Social Worker Clinical Intern credential, Associated Social Work license, or Provisional LCSW License if required by the state.
Obtain the state licensure necessary to work independently without supervision within the first two years or as required by state guidelines.
0–2 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ psychosocial status, strengths, and needs that may affect rehabilitation and treatment outcomes.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning with patients and the healthcare team to identify interventions supporting treatment goals and quality of life.
Use patient education programs, social work methods and interventions, and quality-of-life measurement instruments in assessment and care planning.
Monitor patients and provide interventions to support adjustment to dialysis and optimal psychosocial status and quality of life.
Provide supportive counseling within the scope of clinical training and state licensure, and provide educational and goal-directed counseling to patients seeking transplantation.
Refer patients to community resources, including home health and vocational rehabilitation, and maintain knowledge of local vocational and educational rehabilitation programs.
Assess patients’ awareness of advance directives, assist with access to forms and information, and facilitate discussions with the care team and family or support persons when needed.
With the physician and nurse, participate in discussions of patient DNR status to support informed decisions by patients and families.
Follow FMCNA Social Work Policy and Measuring Patient Physical and Mental Function Policy, including documentation requirements.
Document interactions and interventions provided to patients and families.
Provide psychosocial support and social work interventions addressing adherence, quality outcomes, and quality-of-life concerns based on patient acuity.
Participate in monthly interdisciplinary quality reviews and report indicators related to adherence, missed or shortened treatments, quality-of-life trends, and service recovery.
Assess patients’ kidney disease knowledge and barriers to treatment adherence, and tailor education to patients’ learning styles, communication barriers, and needs.
Provide information about treatment modalities with the interdisciplinary team, facilitate transplant referrals, and collaborate on transplant waitlist management.
Educate patients and families about psychosocial issues related to ESRD and available support services.
Review patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information, and facility policies with patients or their representatives.
Collaborate with the team on quality assessment and improvement activities.
At admission, review applicable rights, grievance, nondiscrimination, and DNR materials, and address immediate concerns.
Support the referral and admission process, including scheduling needs that may affect adherence and adjustment.
Interview patients requesting discharge to identify causes or concerns and share them with operational leadership.
Liaise with insurance coordinators to address insurance issues and educate patients about dialysis payment options and assistance programs.
Inform the insurance coordinator of patient changes affecting insurance, and refer billing questions or concerns to Patient Billing Solutions.
Assist with interviewing and hiring decisions when requested by the Social Work Manager or Senior Manager.
Work with administrative support staff to maintain current patient resource lists, such as transportation resources.
Provide staff training on psychosocial topics as needed and participate in weekly team huddles, raising urgent patient issues with staff.
Follow caseload guidelines based on state regulatory requirements and work under appropriate supervision where required by state law.
Perform other related duties as assigned.