Home Health Medical Social Worker-Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge areas

• Patient Relationship: Develops and maintains a therapeutic relationship thoroughout the healthcare continuum.
  •     1)Demonstrates adapative communication styles based on individual patient and family needs. Practices Motivational Interviewing and Problem Solving Techniques.
  •     2)Promotes patient/family knowledge and confidence to safely manage self care, disease process, medications, procedures, and infection control procedures.
  •     3)Incorporates an individualized approach to the plan of care, which includes assessment of physical, psychosocial, comfort and wellness needs utilizing SMART goals.
  •     4)Assesses patient and family readiness and involves them in goal setting, planning and implementation of care. Seeks consultation and community referrals as needed.
  •     5)Provides care that routinely exceeds patients and families expectations, as measured by survey instruments.
  •     6)Incorporates AHHS Standards of Behavior into interactions with patients, other associates and physicians.
• Assuring and Improving Quality Care: Facilitates the patient and family’s right to receive quality cost effective care following Advocate’s MVP of Stewardship.
  •     1)Utilizes appropriate resources to respond to situations that have the potential to negatively impact patient and family outcomes.
  •     2)Adapts practice to the latest standards according to evidence based literature.
  •     3)Participates in quality/process improvement initiatives.
  •     4)Promotes efforts to reduce risk and improve patient safety.
  •     5)Consistently demonstrates the ability to thoroughly and decisively document to support reimbursement and regulatory requirements.
• Patient Education: Demonstrates a commitment to meet the learning needs of patients and their families. Application of a systematic process involving optimal level of self care for patient and optimal quality of life for patient, family and significant other following Advocate’s MVP of Equality.
  •     1)Assesses patient and family readiness to learn and modifies approach as necessary.
  •     2)Provides and adapts appropriate resource material to achieve patient education outcomes, employing health literacy asssessments and principles.
• Care and Service Coordination: Participates as an effective member of the patient care team to formulate an integrated approach to care, following Advocate’s MVP of Partnership.
  •     1)Recognizes changes in clinical situations. Evaluates and implements changes to the plan of care.
  •     2)Consistently makes sound clinical decisions demonstrating ability to care for all patients including those with complex problems.
  •     3)Prioritizes and organizes patient care, ensures clear hand off communication to achieve optimal health outcomes for patients, utilizing excellent communication techniques like SBAR and 5P’s.
  •     4)Initiates referrals and discharge planning for assigned patients and actively coordinates utilizing the interdisciplinary approach.
  •     5)Actively participates in interdisciplinary case conferences.
• Leadership/Collaborative/Professional Development: Demonstrates respect and understanding of peers and other clinical disciplines and participates as an effective member of the patient care team to formulate an integrated approach to care following Advocate’s MVP of Excellence
  •     1)Participates in staff meetings, agency inservices, and educational opportunities to enhance development and support organizational activities.
  •     2)Seeks out opportunities to enhance knowledge, skill and competency of self and other department members.
  •     3)Demonstrates effective communication, feedback and conflict resolution skills, promoting collaboration among healthare team members.
  •     4)Utilizes available resources to maintain current knowledge base relevant to practice.
• Business Development and Growth: Demonstrates behaviors that enhance productivity and an understanding of financial and economic conditions in the health care environment.
  •     1)Demonstrates adherence to personnel and operational policies.
  •     2)Collaborates with others in the organization to maximize efficiencies and conserve resources.
  •     3)Monitors utilization of resources to achieve excellent health outcomes for patients.

Education/Experience Required:

• Masters of Social Work services from an accredited school with licensure or licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). 1-2 years of experience in a clinical setting post licensure preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Basic knowledge of computer use (i.e. Microsoft Word, email access and use) Ability to learn and use computer based scheduling, and documentation system Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and through written reports with strong documentation skills Good interpersonal skills Good time management and self organization skills
• Licensure in Illinois.

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Extensive travel within geographical boundaries in all extremes of weather and on all types of roads including expressways. Must be able to provide/arrange own transportation to and from patients homes and branch office. Ability to work rotating schedules as needed. Requires adherence to scheduled days and hours of work based on commitment to patient/client and work load assigned.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.