Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best.Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale.Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Social Worker is responsible for establishing, coordinating, and maintaining the process to increase patient through-put to the most appropriate level of care while facilitating interdisciplinary care across the continuum. The Social Worker will act as patient advocate by helping to find resources and aid with problem solving and discharge planning for patients identified as having complex discharge needs or are identified as being at high risk for readmission. When medically appropriate, the Social Worker will help to arrange alternate care for patients after discharge, which may include rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospice facilities, community support services, or assisted living homes.
The Social Worker has developed knowledge and skills in the completion of initial and concurrent assessments through the interview of the patient, family members and/or patient support persons, and members of the multidisciplinary team. The Social Worker will assist in the appropriate placement of complex patients based upon their determined needs through the facilitation of appropriate discharge plans.
The scope of practice will include patient and family assessment and management, resource management, financial resources, and facilitation of appropriate discharge plans for patients identified as at risk for readmission or identified with complex care needs post discharge. The SW collaborates with the Utilization Review Case Manager (URCM), RN Care Manager (RNCM), Financial Counselors, and the members of the multidisciplinary team. The Social Worker reports to the Manager of Care Management, and the Director of Care Management.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) Monday – Friday. Employees are required to have flexibility to work any of our 8-hour shift schedules during our normal business hours of 8am – 4:30pm and 2:30pm – 11pm. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime. Our office is located at 430 E Division St Fond du Lac, WI 54935
We offer weeks of paid training. The hours during training will be based off their schedule. (weeks not determined but training is based on work shift / schedule / business hours)
Primary Responsibilities:
Assessment:
Complete initial and ongoing assessment specific to psychosocial, crisis intervention and discharge planning needs of patient and family/significant others across the age continuum.
Identify physical, social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual variables which affect the patient and family/significant others across the age continuum to promote effective discharge outcomes.
Determine knowledge and skill levels of patients and families/significant others for all age groups and incorporate this information into the discharge plan.
Conduct initial and concurrent assessments to identify risk and potential discharge needs.
Complete psychosocial assessments through interview of patient, family members and support persons
Intervention:
Facilitate care management/care coordination for patients across the continuum of care.
Coordinate discharge plan in conjunction with patient and family/significant others, actively seeking their input in establishing goals and outcomes.
Provide supportive counseling regarding grief issues, crisis intervention, family conflict, adjustment to and understanding of patient’s illness/disability/injury across the age continuum.
Advocate for the patient and family/significant others in medical, ethical, and decision-making processes.
Present options to patient and family/significant others to address their needs and assist them with decision-making process.
Coordinate information and referrals for financial and community resources.
Coordinate, facilitate and complete legal services as identified.
Coordinate out of home placements and home care services.
Verify insurance coverage for post-hospital services.
Assist patients and families/significant others with completing Advanced Directives – Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Contact prior providers, including ALFs and SNFs
Provide Level of Care Choice options and community resources as appropriate
Coordinate with Community Care Providers
You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (or higher)
Ability to work onsite in Fond du Lac, WI
Active and unrestricted License in Social Work by the state of Wisconsin OR recent graduates must have a Temporary License with the ability to gain license within 1 year.
Ability to work an AM/PM rotation between the hours of 08:00AM to 04:30PM and 02:30PM – 11:00PM, with occasional weekend and holiday shifts when needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree (or higher) in Social Work from an accredited university
2+ years of recent experience as a Medical Social Worker
Soft Skills:
Must have critical thinking skills to resolve complex cases
Previous experience working in a fast-paced working environment
Must have strong interpersonal communication skills – both written and verbal
**PLEASE NOTE** The sign on bonus is only available to external candidates. Candidates who are currently working for a UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare or related entity in a full time, part time, or per diem basis (“Internal Candidates”) are not eligible to receive a sign on bonus.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.