Medical Social Worker

Atrius Health, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Medical Social Worker to join our team in Boston, MA. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

A licensed social worker who works collaboratively with the care team, patients, families, and outside agencies to provide medical social work services for patients with complex medical and psychosocial needs. Performs independently in accordance with established objectives, protocols and delegated authority. Reports to Associate Manager in Case Management.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with Three in-office days per week.

Location: 133 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Department: Oncology
Schedule: First-shift, Monday - Friday, 32 hours per-week

Position Highlights & Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provides clinical social work services for patients either on-site at the practice or by phone
• Duties include: response to referrals generated by colleagues or screening instruments, assessment of social service and psychosocial needs of patients using established tools and standard work, short term counseling, and development and implementation of psychosocial goals and care plans including referrals to programs and agencies, and monitoring of services provided
• Meets with individuals, families, and community agency groups at practice sites or virtually
• Works in partnership with the Case Manager and other members of the interdisciplinary team to improve patient engagement and clinical and psychosocial outcomes
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationship with agency staff to facilitate access and coordination of appropriate community services to support social work related health needs
• Develops and maintains thorough working knowledge of public and private community based agencies and services including eligibility and access requirements
• Develops and maintains strong working knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid policies to facilitate the provision of social service benefits
• Provides counseling and coaching to help patients remove barriers; enhance self-direction, improve coping skills and health literacy skills
• Maintains accurate and timely records of services rendered to patients, including clinical and progress notes in the electronic health record
• Participates in Adult and pediatric complex patient reviews or conferences
• Prepares statistical and other reports as needed for administrative analysis and activities
• Works closely with supervisor to improve or solve access issues
• Recommends policy changes to enhance operations of department. Participates in planning and implementing quality improvement activities
• Acts as resource person for staff, providing in-service education and consultation concerning medical social work service and community resources. Participates in on-going training and orientation needs of staff
• Utilizes knowledge of community resources and clinical expertise to identify cost-effective alternatives to benefit exceptions and alternatives to hospitalization
• Represents the department at practice and organization-wide meetings, committees, pilot projects and special task forces, as required in his/her area of expertise
• Plans for own continuing professional development using sources in the organization and the community
• Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, local and company policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

Atrius Health is a physician-led healthcare leader. We are nationally recognized for transforming healthcare through clinical innovations, quality improvement and a commitment to value-based care. Atrius Health delivers an effective system of connected care at practice locations in eastern and central Massachusetts. We recognize the importance of a team-based delivery model, where primary & specialty care providers collaborate with hospital partners, community specialists and skilled nursing facilities - all working together to deliver high-quality care to every patient we serve. Together, we're making health care work better for everyone.

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: 

• Masters of Social Work

• Current license to practice social work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• Able to use electronic medical record (EMR) system, all electronic tools and applications relevant to the performance of the duties of the position, including but not limited to phone, keyboard, computer and computer applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• LICSW
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
• 3+ years of experience in medical setting; participation in interdisciplinary collaboration
• exhibit strong critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal, and good clinical assessment skills
• Highly motivated and self-directed
• Ability to interpret clinical information, assess the implication of treatment and develop and implement a plan of care
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multitask, and work in a rapidly changing environment with multiple demands
• Ability to work effectively in a team

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $60,200 to $107,400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.