PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and customer
service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including
following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Provides psychosocial
services to patients treated by the facility including in-center and home
dialysis patients (if applicable) utilizing Social Work Theory of Human
Behavior and accepted methods of social work practice. Works with the health
care team to promote positive adjustment, rehabilitation and improved quality
of life for our patients. In collaboration with the multidisciplinary team,
informs, trains and supports staff in understanding the emotional,
psychological and behavioral impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the patient
and family to ensure comprehensive quality care of our patients. Supports the
FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and Quality
Assessment and Improvement (QAI) Activities, including those related to
patient satisfaction and quality of life and actively participates in process
improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve
the FMCNA QEP Goals (QEP). Adheres to all requirements of the FMCNA Compliance
Program, and all FMS policy requirements. DUTIES / ACTIVITIES: CUSTOMER
SERVICE: Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and customer
service standards. Accountable for outstanding customer service to all
external and internal customers. Develops and maintains effective
relationships through effective and timely communication. Takes initiative and
action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues
with all customers in a timely manner. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
PATIENT CARE: Patient Assessment/Care Planning/ Counseling As a member of the
multidisciplinary team, assesses patients’ psychosocial status, strengths and
areas of need that may affect rehabilitation and optimal treatment outcomes as
part of the comprehensive patient assessment. Participates in care planning in
collaboration with the patient and healthcare team to identify effective
interventions that will help the patient meet rehabilitation and treatment
goals, improve quality of life. Utilizes FMS UltraCare patient education
programs, established social work theory and methods and quality of life
measurement instruments as part of assessment and care planning to resolve
barriers and meet patient treatment goals. Provides established outcomes
driven psycho-educational counseling methods aimed at improving areas of need,
treatment adherence, vocational/educational rehabilitation and/or quality of
life. Provides supportive and goal directed counseling to patients who are
seeking transplant. Assesses patient awareness of advance directives; assists
with accessing advance directive forms/information and facilitates discussion
of advance directive wishes, if necessary, with the healthcare team and the
patient’s family/support persons. In collaboration with the physician and
nurse, facilitates the discussion of patient DNR status in the facility to
ensure patient understanding and informed decision making. Provides
information and assists the team and patient with referral to community
resources (home health services, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) to
facilitate optimal treatment outcomes. Patient Education Assesses patient
knowledge of kidney disease for barriers that may affect adherence to
treatment. Works with patient, family and health care team to provide
education tailored to the patient’s learning style and needs. With other
members of the interdisciplinary team and TOP (Treatment Options Program),
provides appropriate information about all treatment modalities. Within the
social work scope of practice, collaborates with the interdisciplinary team
and transplant center to refer and track patient transplant referrals.
Provides ongoing education to patient/family regarding psychosocial issues
related to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and all support services that are
available. Reviews patient rights and responsibilities, grievance information
(company and network) and other facility policies with patient and/or the
patients’ representative to ensure patients’ understanding of their rights and
expectations of them. Collaborates with the team on appropriate QAI
activities. Patient Admission: Understands the referral and admission process
and works with Central Local Intake Process (CLIP) office staff, the Clinical
Manager and facility team regarding patient needs for scheduling to maximize
adherence and adjustment. Collaborates with facility team to ensure that all
required admission documentation is prepared and forwarded to the Billing
Department for processing. Insurance and Financial Assistance: Collaborates
with facility management, Financial Coordinators and Billing Group staff to
address patient issues related to insurance. Provides information and
education to patients about payment for dialysis services (federal, state,
commercial insurance, state renal programs, AKF HIPP and entitlement
programs). Maintains current knowledge regarding local vocational/educational
rehabilitation programs and assists patients with referral and access to
vocational rehabilitation to enable them to remain employed, become employed
or receive education. Completes Medicare Secondary Payor Questionnaire (MSPQ)
with patients upon admission. Reassesses patient demographic and insurance
information changes every quarter. Notifies all appropriate departments of
changes. Understands FMCNA financial policies and procedures as they relate to
patient services. Educates patients about programs that may be available to
assist with uncovered services, how to resolve billing concerns, and
understand their financial responsibilities. STAFF RELATED: Assists with the
interview process and decision to hire new personnel if requested by CM or AM.
Provides oversight to administrative support staff delegated by CM to assist
the MSW with patient concrete needs (e.g. maintain updated list of
transportation resources, ensure understanding transient arrangement procedure
for patients who travel). Develops and provides training to staff pertaining
to psychosocial topics as needed. Trains staff in UltraCare Programs as
needed. OTHER: Collaborates with renal team to ensure environmental integrity
and aesthetics are maintained and that all work areas are safe and clean.
Actively participates in ongoing education opportunities and shares relevant
information with the renal team to enhance team skill in working with ESRD
patients. Provides training to outside agencies as appropriate. Other duties
as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and
work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions. Day to day work includes desk and personal
computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations
within the community. Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings
may be required. The work environment is characteristic of a health care
facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be
exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. EDUCATION: Master's
Degree in Social Work with a concentration in clinical practice from a school
of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Current state licensure or appropriate certification/registration by the state
if required in order to practice social work or be called a Social Worker.
EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS: Experience with renal patients or other
physically ill population preferred. Demonstrated leadership competencies and
skills for the position, including: -Excellent communication skills – verbal
and written -Excellent customer service -Practices continuous quality
improvement -Good relationship development skills -Results oriented -Team
building skills -Sound decision making