Social Worker (Behavioral)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan•United States,

About The Position

The Social Worker (Behavioral) supports improvements in members’ health status in collaboration with case managers and physicians. The role identifies and refers members to community resources, counseling, and support services; educates members about entitlement programs, legal issues, and other services relevant to social work practice; and partners with members and community organizations to develop and implement plans of care. The position uses the case management process to assess, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate care plans across the care continuum. It coordinates behavioral health and other community resources, addresses behavioral and psychosocial needs through social work interventions, assesses members’ ability to manage independently and locate resources, and documents assessments and related communications. The Social Worker also supports hospice members, assists with long-term care and end-of-life planning, participates in multidisciplinary conferences, and maintains professional development and case management certification.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or Psychology.
At least 3 years of practice as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker.
Currently unrestricted Licensed Master’s Social Worker license in the State of Michigan.
Ability to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems that can affect member outcomes.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and guidelines, the American Disability Act, and clinical ethics.
Ability to engage and motivate members or member representatives, mentor, and train.
Ability to identify existing or potential psychosocial and quality-of-care issues.
Empathetic, supportive, and a good listener.
Proficiency in motivational interviewing skills.
Demonstrated time management skills.
Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple systems and tools while interacting with members.
Intermediate computer knowledge, typing capability, and proficiency in Microsoft programs such as Excel, OneNote, Outlook, Teams, and Word.
Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Ability to interact and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team while advocating on members’ behalf.
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Home health care and/or behavioral case management experience; the qualifications section specifies at least two years in this area as preferred.
Experience managing patients telephonically and through digital channels, including mobile applications and messaging.
Certified Case Manager (CCM) certification preferred, or to be obtained within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of BCBSM/BCN benefits.

Responsibilities

Use the case management process to assess, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate care plans designed to optimize members’ health across the care continuum.
Consult and coordinate with case managers and physicians to identify member issues and develop plans to resolve them.
Use available government, community, and employer-group resources to address members’ unique needs.
Facilitate and coordinate behavioral health resources as individual needs are identified.
Manage behavioral and psychosocial needs and deliver social work interventions.
Identify and refer members and/or authorized representatives to community resources, counseling, and support services as needed.
Arrange resources to meet identified needs, including community resources, mental health services, substance abuse services, financial support, and disease-specific services.
Assess members’ progress with social work interventions and community services through on-site visits and POD review sessions upon invitation.
Assist case managers with psychosocial needs assessments and identification of appropriate resources.
Document activities as appropriate, including member assessments, communications with case managers and primary care providers, and issues related to guardianship or abuse/neglect.
Evaluate members’ ability to manage independently and locate resources.
Educate members and/or authorized representatives about entitlement programs and legal issues, and assist with applications as needed.
Assist members and/or authorized representatives with long-term care planning and end-of-life decisions and options as needed.
Provide support throughout the hospice period and information about appropriate community resources to members receiving hospice services.
Participate in multidisciplinary team conferences.
Adhere to professional standards, protocols, rules, and guidelines while meeting quality and production goals.
Continue professional development through relevant continuing education and maintain Certified Case Manager (CCM) certification.