Social Worker LSW - Care Facilitation & Utilization Management

Carle Health•Pekin, IL

About The Position

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker contributes professional social work knowledge and skills to support patient and family access to health care and address psychosocial factors that influence a patient's health. The role includes patient care, advocacy and education, and care coordination across the healthcare continuum and community.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), required upon hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) within 30 days.
Knowledge of the social work process.
Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural diversity.
Knowledge of the physiological elements of illness and their impact on psychosocial functioning.
Knowledge of the healthcare system and resources available to patients.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a collaborative team member.
Knowledge of social determinants of health.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements, required upon hire.
Ability to use usual and customary equipment needed to perform essential job functions.
Work may require travel to other UPH facilities or patient homes; the role may involve driving a Carle Health vehicle, rental vehicle, or personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

Perform psychosocial assessments to identify patients’ priority needs, strengths, preferences, and barriers to care.
Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to patients and families coping with the effects of health conditions.
Educate patients and families about advance directives and facilitate and document advance care planning conversations, including First Steps and IPOST/IPOLST.
Maintain knowledge of community resources and connect patients and families with health and social services, health insurance, public assistance, and other resources that address identified needs.
Assist with care-transition planning and collaborate with UPH, community services, and facilities to support patient safety and continuity of care.
Complete PASRR and other screening tools when appropriate for transitions to another care provider.
Document assessments, interventions, and referrals in the electronic health record according to documentation standards.
Advocate for patient confidentiality, informed consent, autonomy, and self-determination.
Assess patient safety for possible abuse, neglect, or other risks; collaborate with the care team on safety issues and file DHS reports or guide others through the process as mandated.
Provide information and support regarding guardianship and conservatorship issues.
Support culturally competent services and arrange interpreter services as needed.
Educate patients and families about available services and supports and help patients access services for which they are eligible.
Educate physicians and other team members about the psychosocial implications of illness and disease progression for patients and families.
Mentor new employees and/or supervise social work interns as requested.
Help the care team establish patient-centered goals of care and identify psychosocial and behavioral strengths and barriers.
Facilitate or participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to review and revise patient care plans.
Facilitate patient and family meetings to strengthen family support for patient care.
Collaborate with social workers and other professionals across care settings and in the community to ensure continuity of care.