MUSCP-Dementia Care Social Worker-Department of Neurology

Job Description Summary

The Dementia Care Social Worker position functions in a team-based arrangement that is part of the newly formed South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN). SCAN is a multi-site clinical program at MUSC Health designed to provide patients with an early and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, longitudinal co-management with primary care, access to the new Alzheimer’s disease medications, and access to the latest research.

This role constitutes a full-time, on-site position requiring the incumbent to engage actively in the initial assessment process of SCAN patients. The position will be vital in fulfilling the patient's psychosocial needs and serve as the liaison between the patient, the SCAN care team, and the Primary Care Physician. The chosen candidate will receive formal training on various topics related to caring for patients with cognitive disorders.

The person filling this position will be part of an interdisciplinary team working to achieve these goals. This candidate will have ample opportunity to collaborate with other team members and primary care providers to enhance the care of dementia patients and their families. The ideal candidate is an individual looking to optimize their practice while thriving within a team-based environment.

Entity

University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000985 COM Neurology CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

Health-26

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The Dementia Care Social Worker position functions in a team-based arrangement that is part of the newly formed South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN). SCAN is a multi-site clinical program at MUSC Health designed to provide patients with an early and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, longitudinal co-management with primary care, access to the new Alzheimer’s disease medications, and access to the latest research.

This role constitutes a full-time, on-site position requiring the incumbent to engage actively in the initial assessment process of SCAN patients. The position will be vital in fulfilling the patient's psychosocial needs and serve as the liaison between the patient, the SCAN care team, and the Primary Care Physician. The chosen candidate will receive formal training on various topics related to caring for patients with cognitive disorders.

The person filling this position will be part of an interdisciplinary team working to achieve these goals. This candidate will have ample opportunity to collaborate with other team members and primary care providers to enhance the care of dementia patients and their families. The ideal candidate is an individual looking to optimize their practice while thriving within a team-based environment.

Position Requirements:

· The Dementia Care Social Worker must be a Licensed Social Worker with an interest and/or experience in cognitive disorders.

· Fluent in English

· Proficient in use of EPIC and Microsoft Office preferred

· Knowledge of CPT codes, medical billing, and diagnosis coding helpful

· Experience in medical practice and knowledge of medical terminology is required.

Job Duties:

Clinical Evaluation 35%:

o Assess the psychosocial needs of patients and their caregivers through history taking, identify normal and abnormal findings.

o Coordinate person-centered care planning for SCAN clients through consultation and coordination of the interdisciplinary team to improve identified patient outcomes.

o Employ strategies for managing behavioral and psychosocial symptoms of dementia.

o Assist beneficiaries in advance care planning.

o Establish communication strategies for persons with dementia and their caregivers.

o Creates a patient and caregiver specific care plan that is adjusted as patient care needs change.

Ongoing Monitoring and Care Coordination 35%:

o Support the coordination of medical care and community services, including communication with clinical providers, supporting beneficiaries in transitions between settings, accessing community-based services and supports such as respite services, and working with case managers and other coordinators to address gaps and duplication in a beneficiary’s community-based services and support.

o Work closely with the SCAN ACC and MTC to ensure optimal longitudinal care.

o Facilitate referrals by obtaining clinical information and ensure the information is properly processed though corresponding departments.

o Immediately grasp deviations from the expected range of patient/family responses and accurately provide interventions to improve outcomes.

o Ensure all testing/referrals are complete and necessary items addressed with the provider.

o This role functions as the initial client advocate between the SCAN medical team and the client by coordinating their requests and satisfying needs in one phone call.

Administrative 30%:

o Works closely with SCAN physicians and clinical staff to assist potential clients in navigating the system to gain access and referral information for medical care at MUSC.

o Participate in ongoing evaluation and development of protocols and guidelines for best practices related to the cognitive population.

o Maintain up-to-date patient records by documenting all orders and interaction with the patient, family, or interdisciplinary team members in the EMR.

o Helps to develop and participate in patient and family support groups.

o Helps to ensure that all requirements are met for the new Medicare program, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE).

o Attends regularly scheduled meetings with the SCAN Program team, virtually and/or in-person.

o Under the direction of the ACC or MTC APP, performs other duties as required.

Additional Job Description

Education: Bachelors Degree or equivalent Work Experience: 5 years for support or 0-2 years for professional

Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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