Medical Social Worker (Austin Public Health)

City of Austin

About The Position

Under general supervision, provide medical social work services to patients/clients and families. Job Description: Medical Social Worker Purpose: Under general supervision, provide medical social work services to patients/clients and families. Position Overview: The Medical Social Worker in the Communicable Diseases Unit provides medical social work services and facilitates care for individuals diagnosed with HIV who are new to care or returning, as well as individuals starting on PrEP/nPEP. This position is for community-based case management and involves working in the field and community for the majority of the time, with a clinical component. This position focuses on re-engaging individuals who are out of HIV medical care and providing case management until they achieve viral suppression. The medical social worker will also work in the CDU Sexual Health Clinic and TB/Clinic, rotating to provide clinical medical social work services to clinic clients. The social worker in this position will also participate in monthly community outreach events with our testing and Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) teams in areas with rising STI rates. Candidates for this position should have a Master of Social Work and an active license to practice in the State of Texas. Austin Public Health This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan.

Requirements

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development.
Knowledge of community resources available for children's development, emotional therapy and/or support.
Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations.
Knowledge of social work theory and techniques.
Knowledge of the requirements for categorical assistance programs.
Knowledge of psycho-social factors impacted by illness and disability and intervention techniques.
Knowledge of federal and state program requirements for services to children, adolescents and their families.
Knowledge of health education assessment, instructions and evaluation methods.
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work OR Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals in crisis/trauma situations.
Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment.

Nice To Haves

Social work experience in dealing with medical care, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness issues.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Ability to travel to multiple locations.
Demonstrated experience working with communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis (TB).

Responsibilities

Consult with health care team to further their understanding of patient social and emotional factors.
Review work for accuracy and completeness.
Interview clients and/or their families to assess their psychosocial and/or resource needs.
Develop and implement individual social work treatment plan.
Compile data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
Write informational reports.
Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
Record data on appropriate form/log, etc.
Attend meetings as section representative.
Seek and evaluate alternative funding sources.
Attend meetings/seminars to stay current in job practices.
Counsel individuals and/or their families to increase their understanding and acceptance of treatment, etc. and to help patient adjust after treatment.
Perform other tasks as required.