Student Social Work Clinical Placement

Fresenius Medical Care•Roanoke Rapids, NC

About The Position

The student intern supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy while following the FMCNA Compliance Program, regulatory requirements, and FMS policies. 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 and in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, training, and regulations. The intern also helps maintain a safe, clean work environment and participates in the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), continuous quality improvement activities, and process improvement efforts related to patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. The placement is an integral part of social work education, supporting students’ understanding of the profession’s purposes, values, and ethics; integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge; and development of professional competence. Field education hours are established by the CSWE. Under direct guidance, the intern may participate in patient assessment, care planning, counseling, patient education, referrals, and related social work services. The Clinical Manager assigns and closely monitors intern assignments, with direct supervision from a social worker field instructor (SWFI) based on the agreed education plan. The work includes desk and personal computer tasks and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. Travel between assigned facilities and community locations is required; travel to regional, Business Unit, and corporate meetings may also be required. The setting is a health care facility with controlled air temperature and moderate noise, with possible exposure to infectious or contagious diseases and materials. Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Work under direct supervision of a licensed social worker; assignments are closely monitored by the Clinical Manager, with direct supervision from a SWFI based on the agreed education plan.
The intern cannot work under the supervision of a family member or care for a patient who is a family member.
Desire to deliver superior patient care and embrace Fresenius’ mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values, customer service philosophy, compliance program, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Assist the hemodialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy under the direct supervision of a licensed social worker.
Help maintain a safe and clean working environment and participate in QEP, CQI, and process improvement activities.
Provide outstanding customer service, communicate effectively and promptly, maintain effective relationships, and respond to and follow up on customer service issues.
Participate in psychosocial assessment and care planning with patients and the interdisciplinary health care team to identify needs, strengths, barriers, and interventions that support rehabilitation, treatment goals, and quality of life.
Use established patient education programs, social work methods, and quality-of-life measurement instruments in assessment and care planning.
Provide outcomes-driven psychoeducational counseling related to patient needs, treatment adherence, vocational or educational rehabilitation, and quality of life; provide supportive, goal-directed counseling to patients seeking transplant.
Assess patient awareness of advance directives, help patients access forms and information, facilitate discussions when needed, and provide general information about Do Not Resuscitate orders and advance directives.
Provide information and assist with referrals to community resources, including home health services and vocational rehabilitation.
Provide usual care or Social Work Intensive services to address non-adherence and quality-of-life concerns, and follow FMCNA Social Work Policy and documentation requirements.
Assess patients’ kidney disease knowledge and barriers to treatment adherence; provide education tailored to patients’ and families’ learning styles and needs, including information about treatment modalities, ESRD-related psychosocial issues, and 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 representatives.
Collaborate with the team on appropriate QAI activities.
Maintain knowledge of local vocational and educational rehabilitation programs and help patients access referrals and services.
Understand FMCNA financial policies and procedures; collaborate with Financial Coordinators to educate patients about assistance programs, uncovered services, 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 the intern from working under the supervision of a family member or caring for a patient who is a family member; if a family member is a facility patient, work on days the patient is absent or be assigned to another patient.