Social Worker - Long Term Care

Pay Range:

Pay Range:$31.83 - $44.56 Position functions as a member of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Interdisciplinary team as an advocate for LTC residents and potential residents.

Performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual.

Social Worker makes assessments which can lead to recommendations regarding discharge planning whether from inpatient, LTC, or outpatient setting to/from SEARHC LTC facility. Social Worker must be knowledgeable in available resources. This position works collaboratively with finance to maximize opportunities for payer resource enrollment and assists patients in enrolling in third party payer coverage.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Interview residents and family members to obtain relevant psycho-social information and determine the effect of illness upon the patient and the patient's family.  Assessments can occur in the LTC, inpatient or outpatient setting or at resident’s home or another outside agency/setting.

• Communicate with all LTC staff, medical providers, hospitals, Human Services and State and Federal Agencies, staff members for ancillary departments, Assisted Living Centers, Nursing Homes within and outside the state of Alaska, and the public.

• Develop and implement a social work treatment plan for residents and family members, makes referrals to other community agencies to arrange in-home supportive services and equipment.  Serves as lead on making placements in the long-term care setting.

• Provide supportive counseling to residents and families; assists residents and families in understanding and accepting medical recommendations; makes interventions and professional support referrals as needed.

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and MDS data collection.

• Manage assigned caseload; documents results of psycho-social assessments and plans in the residents' medical chart.   Documentation is timely and meets The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS and departmental standards.

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the admission/transfer/discharge programs of the LTC facilities and works collaboratively with the team. Find, develop a strong referral network, screen, process, facilitate, manage case mix, and work with hospital discharge planners while keeping financial and care needs in consideration. Responsible for assuring that the incoming resident’s medical records are available and that the orders for admission include medications, treatments, diets, and any specific needs for that admission. Serve as the liaison between resident/family and the team to ensure development, planning and follow through of appropriate discharge plans and referral to resources. Assists in coordinating/arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.

• Advise and assist with financial resources, Medicaid applications, entitlement programs, eligibility issues, advance directives, power or attorney and guardianships as needed. Coordinate and submit all state documentation required for LTC authorizations and re-authorizations.

• Work closely with finance management to improve system change to maximize third party payer reimbursement for services.

• Coordinate and manage patient data to direct patient outreach including Medicaid renewals and patients turning 65. Ensure Medicaid and other coverage submissions are monitored and entered into the electronic medical records for billing.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or nursing from an accredited program preferred; other bachelor’s level degrees may be considered.

• Basic Life Support preferred.

• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

Experience Required

• Working in a medical setting or agency that utilizes team meetings, assessments, and planning with individuals or groups for a minimum of three years.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and other payer sources required.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of acute and chronic diagnoses.
• Knowledge of community resources and criteria/
• Basic knowledge of computer software programs.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of a variety of federal, state and local resources, programs. and services.

Skills in

• Interview and assessment skills.
• Individual/family/group facilitating skills.
• Proficiency at intensive case management.

Ability to

• Ability to set priorities in a demanding environment.
• Ability to use technology as computers, phones, faxes, scanners.
• Ability to work effectively as member of interdisciplinary professional team.
• Ability to work with other SEARHC staff/departments to develop and implement plan to identify and enroll patients and community residents into affordable health insurance and other resources.

Required Certifications:

Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!