Medical Social Worker

Los Angeles LGBT Center•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Los Angeles LGBT Center's Department of Health Services is a leading provider of LGBTQ-specialized primary care and related services. The department's mission is to help LGBTQ people lead healthier, happier lives through comprehensive client-centered services including primary care, mental health, psychiatry, sexual health, pharmacy, case management, nutrition, clinical research, housing services, and a food pantry. The Center is recognized as one of the few Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation focusing on serving LGBTQ people. The Medical Social Worker, under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Psychosocial Case Management, will provide psychosocial care management services and resource development for case management clients. The role's primary focus is to develop, implement, track, and supervise components of the psychosocial care plan, working collaboratively with the HIV Medical Care Coordination team for an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work is required.
Current AHA CPR certification.
Knowledge of or experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues of particular relevance to LGBTQ people.
A passion for the Center’s work and its mission to make the world a better place for LGBTQ people.
Minimum 1 year experience, 3 years preferred, providing direct client services to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Demonstrates knowledge of effects of psychosocial needs, trauma history, and cognitive/behavioral/motivational functioning on health-related behavior and exhibits ability to intervene appropriately and effectively.
Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS community resources, and public and private HIV/AIDS benefits programs.
Understanding of the global effect of HIV/AIDS on the person, their family members, and significant others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong organizational, detail, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office, word processing, Electronic Health Records, and other software systems.
Ability to be self-motivated and dedicated to initiating and completing complex tasks.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, be detailed oriented, and maintain strict confidentiality of medical information.
Able to work well independently with minimum supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in a multicultural environment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills, a plus (English/Spanish fluency preferred).

Responsibilities

Serve as part of a multidisciplinary care team to provide case management and patient care services.
Provide brief mental health interventions for chronic diseases including motivational interviewing, crisis assessment and intervention, suicide risk assessment and intervention.
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments including history of trauma, attachment styles, substance abuse, cognitive functioning, and activities of daily living.
Oversee all psychosocial aspects of clients’ treatment in the Medical Care Coordination (MCC) program.
Provide appropriate information on benefits, social services, and referrals while serving as an advocate.
Provide consultation utilizing mental health expertise on multi-disciplinary MCC treatment teams.
Develop comprehensive care plans for clients and utilize training in motivational and behavioral intervention to provide support and guidance in the implementation of care plans which may include health-related behavior, housing, benefits, transportation, food/groceries, and other social services as needed.
Independently identify patient needs, strengths, and readiness to change.
Streamline care coordination to improve patients' access to services including medical, mental health, and substance abuse programs.
Promote linkage to and retention in medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
Identify and address barriers to treatment adherence and risk reduction to help improve health outcomes.
Conduct ongoing assessment of client eligibility for public health programs and other sources of funding.
Conduct follow-up activities to ensure clients receive appropriate support for referred services and ongoing needs.
Act as liaison between clients and The Center's services/programs and other community agencies/programs.
Coordinate necessary documents for public and private assistance programs.
Research and develop resources for case management clients.
Oversee the transportation needs for JGC clients within the MCC program.
Provide referral and linkage to partner services, e.g., domestic violence, medical services, HIV testing.
Make appropriate referrals to ancillary team members, i.e., Housing Case Management Staff, Nutritionist, Pharmacist, etc.
Consult with staff on service coordination and service plans for clients in the MCC program.
Maintain complete and accurate files documenting all care and services provided in the client’s health record and all other required documentation methods.
Interact in a professional manner with health services staff and patients.
Exercise appropriate judgment and decision-making skills.
Use standard office machinery including personal computers and printers in performance of duties.
Assist in data auditing tasks, prepare reports as required, and submit in a timely manner.
Participate in staff meetings, agency meetings, planning meetings, and other meetings as needed.
Comply with requirements of OSHA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
Other duties as assigned.