This job is eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Hours: 40 hours a week, day shifts.

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Social Worker will work closely with the patient/family, the primary care physician, and the health care team to help ensure that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care through the continuum. They will help patients who have a behavioral health diagnosis and are at high risk for increased health care resource utilization. The goal is to increase patient and family engagement in their health care, to develop patient specific treatment plans and to assist them in navigating through the complex variety of health care system and connection to community resources. The Behavioral Health Social Worker will work closely with community partners, as well as the other members of the Wellforce ACO Care Team, to develop the plan of care for the patient, monitor their adherence to it, and revise as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements individualized holistic care plans that will address patients’ unique needs with the goal of improved self-care and decrease need for urgent care for this behavioral health population.
• Identifies specific physical, emotional, educational and cultural needs of patients and completes an assessment including their functional, health, psychosocial and income status. Determines eligibility and appropriateness for community services or programs. Reports any signs or symptoms of neglect or abuse as mandated.
• Will meet with patients, patient’s families/supports in hospital and community setting. Consults with the patient and family regarding how to meet his/her goals, and identifies and addresses any barriers to meeting the plan of care. Follows up as necessary to make sure the patient is meeting their goals. Educates patients on the levels of health care (homecare, acute rehab), community resources, and advance directives.
• Refers to and collaborates with outside agencies, facilities, payers, and other relevant community resources, such as community health workers, to refine the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient and connect to treatment programs as needed.
• Develops trusting, professional, caring relationships with patients and families, engaging respectfully and with utmost attention to service.
• Contacts patients on a regular basis to assess their progress and revise the plan of care as needed. Ensures communication and understanding of treatment plan among the patient, family and health care team members.
• Regularly perceives potential problem situations and intervenes to offset adverse impact, demonstrates proactive attitude. Utilizes established protocols and collaborates with health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes. Advocating for patient and caregiver needs in inpatient, outpatient, home, and community settings.
• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the ACO’s achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. Maintains compliance with all mandated regulations of state and federal agencies. Committed to pursuing excellence in improving the health status of the community and demonstrates professionalism as well as respect and dignity for patient, caregivers and all members of the health care team.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work required.
• Massachusetts Social Worker License to practice. LCSW, LICSW, LMHC
• 5 years of experience as a Social Worker preferred
• Experience in performing the role as a Behavioral Health Coordinator, or a similar community role, skilled nursing facility or physician’s office.
• Experience working with behavioral health needs and substance abuse disorders preferred
• Experience working with Medicaid population preferred

What We Offer:

• Competitive salaries & benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free on-campus parking

About Lowell General Hospital:

This is a great opportunity to be part of a 3-time Magnet Recognized, community hospital. Lowell General Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit community hospital serving the Greater Lowell area and surrounding communities. With two primary campuses located in Lowell, Massachusetts, we are the second-largest community hospital in Massachusetts and are proud to be a Magnet hospital. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Lowell General Hospital with Magnet Recognition for excellence in nursing care for a 3rd designation. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that are dedicated to nursing excellence, professionalism and patient-focused care. It is the highest level of recognition an organization can receive for providing the very best quality in patient care. Only 2% of hospitals have attained their 3rd Magnet designation.

We are a proud member of Tufts Medicine and in collaboration with the medical community it is our promise to provide our patients with Complete connected care SM

Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.