Master Social Worker - MSW

Purpose and Scope

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 healthcare team to promote positive adjustment, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life for our patients. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, informs, educates, 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.

Supports the Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) commitment to the Quality Indicators, Outcomes, 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 FKC Quality Goals. This is an entry‑level MSW role.

$5,000 Sign On Bonus.

• Patient Assessment / Care Planning / Counseling
  • As a member of the interdisciplinary team, assess patients' psychosocial status, strengths, and areas of need that may affect rehabilitation and optimal treatment outcomes as part of the comprehensive patient assessment.
  • Participate in care planning in collaboration with the patient and healthcare team to identify effective interventions that will help the patient meet rehabilitation, treatment goals, and improve quality of life.
  • Utilize FKC patient education programs, established social work theory and methods, social work focused interventions, and quality of life measurement instruments as part of assessment and care planning to address barriers and meet patient treatment goals.
  • Provide monitoring and interventions for the patient to adjust to dialysis and achieve optimal psychosocial status and quality of life.
  • Provide supportive counseling services to patients as permitted within the scope of their clinical training and state license.
  • Provide educational and goal‑directed counseling to patients who are seeking transplant.
  • Provide information and assist the team and patient with referral to community resources (home health services, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) to facilitate optimal treatment outcomes.
  • Maintain current knowledge regarding local vocational/educational rehabilitation programs and assist patients with referral and access to vocational rehabilitation to enable them to remain employed, become employed, or receive education.
  • Assess patient awareness of advance directives; assist with accessing advance directive forms/information and facilitate 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, participate in the discussion of patient DNR status in the facility to ensure patient and/or family understand and make an informed decision about their care.
  • Be knowledgeable of and adhere to FMCNA Social Work Policy and Measuring Patient Physical and Mental Function Policy, including documentation.
  • Document based on MSW interaction and interventions provided to patient and/or family.
• Quality
  • Provide psychosocial support and/or Social Work Focused Interventions to address non‑adherence, quality outcomes, and quality of life concerns for all patients based on acuity level.
  • Participate in monthly Quality review meetings with the interdisciplinary team. Report on quality indicators related to adherence, such as missed and shortened treatments, quality of life trends, and service recovery.
• Patient Education
  • Assess patient knowledge of kidney disease for barriers that may affect adherence to treatment. Work with patient, family, and healthcare team to provide education tailored to the patient’s learning style, communication barriers, and needs.
  • With other members of the interdisciplinary team, provide appropriate information about all treatment modalities.
  • Facilitate the transplant referral process and collaborate with interdisciplinary team on transplant waitlist management.
  • Provide ongoing…