Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, as an IMH Social Service Worker- Inpatient Rehab department. 

The Social Service Worker intervenes with patients who have complex social needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. In addition offer crisis intervention to patients and families with psycho-social needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations. This role will receive referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from Care Management and interdisciplinary team members (including physicians, staff nurses and other members of the care team). 

Knows, follows and actively supports the philosophy, mission and Vision of Ingalls Hospital. Adheres to all hospital policies, procedures and standards of care. Observes and adheres to all corporate compliance requirements and communicates issues as they arise with the appropriate parties as identified in the Corporate Compliance Plan. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Assesses patients and families psycho-social risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope.

• Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of illness and/or disability; accesses and mobilizes family/community resources to meet identified needs. 

• Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, elderly abuses, institutional abuse and sexual assault. 

• Promotes patient and family empowerment and independence to navigate through the system.

• Collaborates with the patient, family and multi disciplinary team to assure psycho-social needs are addressed. 

• Participate in discharge planning activities for complex patients, as needed, to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers. 

• Deals with families with complex family dynamics. 

• Communicates with Care Management regarding the discharge planning status of all patients referred by them. 

• Assists Care Management with discharge planning activities as requested. 

• Provides consultation to Care Management when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes.

• Receives referrals for complex patient problem resolution from Care Managers and/or Care Team. 

• Screens and coordinates all new ECF and alternate level of care referrals. 

• Informs Management Coordinator regarding trends and issues related to ECF quality of care. 

• Validates discharge criteria for patient and families and notifies Care Managers of newly-identified resources or change in previously-identified resources. 

• Educates patient/family and physician about post-acute options and addresses issues of choice. 

• Provides intervention in child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, guardianship (temporary/permanent), foster care, adoption, mental health level II placement, advance directives, adult/elderly abuse, child protection and sexual assault.

 

Required Qualifications 

• BSW or BA in related health and human services field.

• Three years hospital/healthcare field experience. 

• Working knowledge/experience in utilization management/managed care 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full time (1.0)

• Shift: Day

• Unit/Department: Inpatient Rehab- Harvey  

• CBA Code: Non-Union 

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.