Overview This position develops, coordinates and provides social work services to patients and families who are faced with social, emotional and situational stressors precipitated by illness, injury, and/or disability. The goal is to aid in adaptation and empower the patient and the family to participate to the fullest of their abilities in the care coordination and/or discharge planning processes. This position provides developmentally appropriate care for the
population that it serves which includes planning for the safe discharge and continuity of care, the ability to recognize and plan for the unique needs of all ages as well as the physically disabled, mentally ill, chronically ill and terminally ill patient. About Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is a non-profit facility owned by the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation. A Joint Commission-accredited facility with 152 licensed beds, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the primary referral center for residents of Alaska's interior. We have a strong patient to nurse ratio and a culture of Shared Leadership. In addition to our exceptional clinical environment, our location offers incomparable lifestyle rewards away from work. In Fairbanks, small-town living, spectacular natural beauty and endless recreation combine to create a one-of-a-kind place to live, work and play. This position will provide services related to patient needs in Home Health Care and Hospice Services. Position Available: Full Time 40 hours per week 8 hour day shifts Responsibilities ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Processes, plans, and facilitates care coordination, and/or the timely discharge/transfer of patients from acute/observation care from the hospital. Assesses and evaluates the needs of the patient within the framework of their functional abilities, culture and support/resources.
- Intervenes with patients who have complex or high-risk needs. Offers crisis intervention to patients and families. Assesses patients for psycho-social distress, and provides counseling and referrals as needed. Facilitates and implements the care plan with the proposed interventions in collaboration with the health care team. Collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to develop, manage and communicate the transition of care plan.
- Documents all interventions in the patient medical record both timely and accurately including all elements of the transition of care plan.
- Assists and supports patients and families. Provides advocacy and resource services for the patient. Acts as a liaison to health care facilities and community groups.
- Maintains knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other program benefits to assist patients with discharge planning and choices. Knowledge of contemporary behavioral health and system theories relevant to health care, end of life dynamics, and interventions; grief and bereavement counseling, substance abuse identification and interventions, support of victims of abuse, neglect, or violence. Provides professional education to staff and community.
- Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all customers of Foundation Health with an excellent service experience by consistently demonstrating our core and leader behaviors each and every day.
NOTE: The essential functions are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented as outlined by the incumbent's immediate manager. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES DIRECTLY REPORTING None MATRIX OR INDIRECT REPORTING None TYPE OF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES N/A Foundation Health Leadership will strive to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization. They will serve as role models for staff and act in a people-centered, service excellence-focused, and results-oriented manner. SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY Employee has freedom to determine how to best accomplish functions within established procedures. Confers with supervisor on any unusual situations. Positions are facility based with no budgetary responsibility. Internal customers: All levels of nursing management and staff, medical staff, and all other members of the interdisciplinary health care team. External Customers: Home health agencies, nursing homes, insurance providers, volunteer services, county and governmental agencies and medical supply companies. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Non-temporary AK LMSW license required within 12 months of hire. Temporary LMSW license acceptable within the first year of hire. Requires a proficiency level typically achieved with at least one year of discharge planning experience in a Healthcare setting. Must have knowledge of government/community agencies, resources, such as Medicare/Medicaid, long term care or other applicable resources/services. Must demonstrate effective communication skills, human relation skills and time management skills. In acute care must be able to work flexible hours and take rotation call after hours/weekends. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BLS Certification Additional related education and/or experience preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS DP - Typical Direct Patient Care environment: (Nutrition Rep, Chaplain, RN) - Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
- Possess physical agility and adequate reaction time to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected patient care needs.
- Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.
- Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.
- Able to use proper body mechanics to assist patients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
- May be required to lift up to 75 pounds.
- Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
- Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
- May require periodic use of personal computer.
Foundation Health Partners is an EEO/AAP employer; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. |
