Social Worker Assistant

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500382 Social Work-Peds/OB/Outreach

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCC 208 H

Compensation Range:

$24.22 - $33.91

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the LMSW/LCSW supervisor and PCN Director of Care Management, the Social Work Assistant provides consultation and social work services to Primary Care Network (PCN) practice patients and their families typically referred for barriers to health care/compliance and SDOH issues impacting health outcomes. Responsibilities include assessment of service needs outreach, supportive, educational, and concrete case management services to patients and families served by PCN practices. The SW Assistant collaborates with PCN practice teams, most commonly the practice social work care manager to assist patients who have identified SDOH needs. The BSW also provides consultation to the health care provider team regarding patients' care needs and/or community resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Clinical

Receives referrals from providers and other members of the care team for patients who identify/screen positive for barriers to care related to the social determinants of health including, but not limited to:

• People in need of resource assistance
• People/families experiencing food insecurity
• Loss or lack of adequate health insurance
• Financial difficulty
• Transportation barriers
• Unstable or insufficient housing
• Benefits advisement
• Resources for higher level of care (HLOC)

Provides social work services and/or consultation in collaboration with care managers for patients/families with SDOH problems identified. Services may include:

• Outreach and engagement (phone, in person, in home or tele-health)
• Supportive, short-term counseling and coaching to facilitate identification of and progress on service goals
• Information sharing, education, and health literacy support
• Participation in community agency meetings
• Coordination of referrals to and acts as liaison and advocate to community agencies regarding services to individual patients and their family system
• Screen for financial barriers to medication access, such as the social determinants of health that impact a patient's ability to pay for prescriptions, and work with hospital pharmacists and other clinicians to facilitate access to financial assistance programs and resources, including medication vouchers to help patients obtain their prescriptions.
• Identification of   and intervention services for PCN patients suspected of being victims of abuse, neglect and/or domestic violence.
• Provision of internal and external systems advocacy as indicated in care plans of individual patients in collaboration with the care managers.
• Maintains current knowledge of community resources relevant to the PCN patient population.
• Follow up to evaluate service connectivity (closed loop referrals)

Data and Compliance:

• Maintains accurate and complete record documentation and data collection regarding identified needs and closed-loop referrals.
• Documents all social work activities in the patients' medical record in accordance with the relevant Social Work Division and PCN practice policies and procedures.

Professional Development/Administrative Responsibilities:

• Participates in team meetings and interprofessional care team meetings in promotion of collaborative and coordinated care.
• Participates in activities of the Social Work Division including, but not limited to meetings, time reporting, and professional development, mandatory in-service training and UHS review. Participates in professional development with relevance to the position.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Clinical or Community Social Work experience in health setting preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.