Medical Social Worker LCSW - Palliative Medicine

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Geneva, IL

2d

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker- SL reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards. Through medical social work services, the role assists patients and families with personal and environmental difficulties that predispose them to illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.

The position provides medical social work services to patients referred by CNS staff in accordance with physician orders. It assesses social and emotional factors affecting patients’ medical treatment plans and helps patients and families access community resources. The Medical Social Worker consults with physicians and health team members about significant psychosocial factors related to patients’ health and problems, and provides counseling for short- and long-term planning and decision-making. The role also completes required care communications and participates in departmental meetings, in-services, and assigned performance improvement activities.

Candidates need an LCSW, experience with end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care, and some oncology experience. The position requires a master’s degree in social work and two years of social work experience in community home health or a hospital setting.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Two years of social work experience in the community home health area or hospital setting.
• Experience with end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care.
• Some oncology experience.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Northwestern Medicine’s values in daily work and interactions.
• Maintain a friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers; address questions and concerns or direct them to appropriate people and resources.
• Help patients and customers find their way and use service recovery skills to address problems or service breakdowns.
• Demonstrate teamwork, communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledge others’ contributions.
• Use organizational and unit or department resources efficiently; manage work schedules and complete tasks on time.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, cost reduction, streamlined processes, and the improvement and growth of services.
• Provide timely, direct medical social work services to patients referred by CNS staff in accordance with physician orders.
• Assess social and emotional factors that limit patients’ medical treatment plans and assist patients and families with community resources as indicated.
• Consult with physicians and health team members to help them understand significant psychosocial factors related to patients’ health and problems.
• Provide counseling to patients and families for short- and long-term planning and decision-making to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented.
• Complete required communications to staff involved in patient care.
• Attend in-person departmental in-services, meetings, and assigned PI activities; if unable to attend, read and sign applicable videos and/or minutes.
• Complete required case communication with UM in a timely manner.
• Check voicemail before patient care begins and after patient care ends for the day.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time