Social Worker – Centralia, IL

$5000 Sign On Bonus For External Candidates

In 2021, Optum and SSM Health announced a new strategic collaboration to create a sustainable, affordable, quality system of care that is easy to access and keeps people healthy. Through knowledge sharing, best-in-class tools and technology, and enhanced clinical and operational performance, together Optum and SSM Health will focus on transforming health care for all. Whether you work with us in providing direct patient care, serving a meal, or helping patients in countless other ways, you will be playing a role in transforming health care through compassion and healing. Bring your unique talents to a team that will empower you to do your best as you take on a rewarding role that leads to your life’s best work. SM

The Social Worker is responsible and accountable for coordination of patient services through an interdisciplinary process, which provides clinical and psychosocial approach through continuum of care. Discharge planning will begin at the time of (or prior to) admission, and reassessed ongoing throughout the course of hospitalization.

Provides direct social work/case management services to patients and/or families and hospital staff to ensure needed assessment intervention, support and referral. Coordinates services with other members of the health care team community wide. Respond to information and referral needs of the community.

The foundation of the Social Worker role includes crisis intervention, comprehensive understanding of mental health diagnosis, brief counseling, working collaboratively with community vendors, identifying resource needs, arrange and facilitate meetings with the health care team as needed, problem solving and encouraging patients toward wellness.

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 8:00am – 4:30pm CST. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime. Our offices are located at 400 N Pleasant Ave, Centralia, IL and Springfield, IL.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Social Worker’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinates patient care processes to achieve desired quality outcomes and identifies/controls appropriate resource utilization
• Provide skilled interventions for: patient/family support and/or resolution of patient/family crises; facilitating problem-solving/decision-making; advocacy and facilitation necessitated by life-changing events (new diagnosis, abuse, loss of independence, bereavement); and mediation of risk factors and various psychosocial issues
• The Social Worker will be responsible for integrating the assessment of the need for post-hospital services and determination of an appropriate discharge plan for all Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Care, and some LTAC cases
• Educates patient/family as to options/choices within the level of care determined to be appropriate. Initiates all necessary paperwork
• Facilitates completion of orders and timely discharge of patients, Continuum of Care planning will emphasize education and collaboration with physicians, family members, nursing staff, therapist, and case managers from contracted payors when appropriate to determine discharge plan that will be of maximum benefit to the patient. Involve staff from next level of care in the treatment plan as early as possible to promote continuity and collaboration
• Reports all relevant information to the staff assuming responsibility in the next level of care
• Interface with department directors, Risk Management and patient representatives to identify potential QA or risk issues. Perform any necessary investigation, documentation and follow-up as required
• Participates in departmental SQI projects
• Must be able to functionally coordinate and discharge plan for all age groups, including but not limited to the unborn child through geriatric age groups
• Is familiar with and expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including CMS and Joint Commission Standards

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’s Degree (or higher) in Social Work
• Ability to work onsite in Centralia, IL or Springfield, IL
• Ability to work any of our 8-hour shift schedules during our normal business hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm CST. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential requirement of this role. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination prior to employment to ensure compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree (or higher) in Social Work
• 2+ years of experience in a healthcare environment
• BLS certification
• Clinical knowledge of the Labor and Delivery, Pediatric and Neonatal, Medical Surgical, and / or Oncology patients

UnitedHealth Group requires all new hires and employees to report their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Military & Veterans find your next mission: We know your background and experience is different and we like that. UnitedHealth Group values the skills, experience and dedication that serving in the military demands. In fact, many of the values defined in the service mirror what the UnitedHealth Group culture holds true: Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation and Performance. Whether you are looking to transition from active duty to a civilian career, or are an experienced veteran or spouse, we want to help guide your career journey. Learn more at https://uhg.hr/transitioning-military

Learn how Teresa, a Senior Quality Analyst, works with military veterans and ensures they receive the best benefits and experience possible. https://uhg.hr/vet

Careers with OptumInsight . Information and technology have amazing power to transform the Healthcare industry and improve people’s lives. This is where it’s happening. This is where you’ll help solve the problems that have never been solved. We’re freeing information so it can be used safely and securely wherever it’s needed. We’re creating the very best ideas that can most easily be put into action to help our clients improve the quality of care and lower costs for millions. This is where the best and the brightest work together to make positive change a reality. This is the place to do your life’s best work. SM

**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.

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.

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