student social work clinical placement

Fresenius Medical Care•Arleta, CA

About The Position

The student intern supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy while following its Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. As part of the hemodialysis health care team, the intern supports safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed social worker. The placement also includes helping maintain a safe, clean environment and participating in quality enhancement and continuous quality improvement activities. This field education experience promotes identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of social work; integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge; and development of professional competence. The intern’s assignments are closely monitored by the Clinical Manager, with direct supervision from a SWFI and according to the agreed education plan. The minimum required field education hours are established by CSWE. Under direct guidance, the intern may participate in psychosocial assessment, care planning, counseling, patient education, community-resource referrals, and coordination related to insurance and financial assistance. The role involves interaction with patients, families, facility staff, physicians, and community resources, as well as travel between assigned facilities and locations in the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may also be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Desire to deliver superior patient care and embrace Fresenius’ mission and values.
Intern assignments require direct supervision from a SWFI and close monitoring by the Clinical Manager according to the agreed education plan.
Cannot work under the supervision of a family member or care for a patient who is a family member.
Ability to perform desk and personal computer work and interact with patients, facility staff, and physicians.
Ability to travel between assigned facilities and various locations in the community; travel to regional, Business Unit, and Corporate meetings may be required.

Nice To Haves

Outstanding customer service to external and internal customers is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support FMCNA’s mission, vision, values, customer service philosophy, Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Participate as part of the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under direct social work supervision.
Help maintain a safe and clean working environment and participate in quality enhancement and continuous quality improvement activities.
Provide outstanding customer service, maintain effective relationships, and communicate promptly to respond to and follow up on customer service issues.
Under direct guidance, participate in assessment of patients’ psychosocial status, strengths, and needs that may affect rehabilitation and treatment outcomes.
Participate in care planning with patients and the healthcare team to identify interventions supporting treatment goals, rehabilitation, and quality of life.
Use established patient education programs, social work theory and methods, and quality-of-life measures as part of assessment and care planning.
Provide established outcomes-driven psychoeducational and supportive counseling, including counseling related to treatment adherence, rehabilitation, quality of life, and transplant seeking.
Assess patient awareness of advance directives; assist with access to forms and information, facilitate discussion when needed, and provide general information about Do Not Resuscitate orders and advance directives.
Provide information about and assist with referrals to community resources, including home health services and vocational rehabilitation.
Address non-adherence and quality-of-life concerns through usual care and/or Social Work Intensive, and follow FMCNA Social Work Policy, including documentation requirements.
Assess patients’ kidney-disease knowledge and learning needs, and work with patients, families, and the healthcare team to provide tailored education.
Provide information about treatment modalities and ongoing education regarding psychosocial issues associated with ESRD and available support services.
Facilitate the transplant referral process and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team when delegated by the Clinical Manager.
Review patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information, and facility policies with patients or their representatives.
Collaborate with the team on appropriate QAI activities.
Maintain knowledge of local vocational and educational rehabilitation programs and assist patients with referrals and access.
Understand FMCNA financial policies and procedures related to patient services; collaborate with Financial Coordinators to explain assistance programs, billing concerns, and financial responsibilities.
Work with administrative support staff to maintain current patient resource lists, such as transportation resources.
Develop and provide staff training on psychosocial topics and Ultra Care Programs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Follow restrictions that prohibit working under the supervision of a family member or caring for a patient who is a family member; if a family member is a patient at the facility, work on days that patient is absent or be assigned to another patient.