Social Worker in Austin, TX

Opportunities at WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses. We believe all patients are entitled to the highest level of medical care. Here, you will join a team who shares your passion for helping people achieve better health. With opportunities for physicians, clinical staff and non-patient-facing roles, you can make a difference with us as you discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together.   

The Social Worker is responsible for the assessment, planning, coordination and oversight of services for identifiedpatients’ within their respective healthcare plan.  The position identifies, evaluates, and provides management of services for patients with complex, catastrophic, SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) and/or psychosocial issues to promote quality, effective outcomes throughout the care continuum.  The position ensures compliance with state and federal health plan requirements, Medicare guidelines and standards.  Acts as a liaison to coordinate and collaborate care with physicians, family, and other providers while always remaining an advocate for patients , putting them at the center of care delivery.  The Social Worker will interact and engage with others as an interdisciplinary team member. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive evaluationsand document findings in a concise/comprehensive manner that is compliant with documentation standards for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Performs patient assessments in multiple settings to include but not limited to the patient’s home, the PCP/specialists clinic, hospital, and/or skilled nursing facility as needed
• Understands and plans to assure services provided work within the boundaries of the  patient’s plan eligibility. Coordinates  identified patient’s needs utilizing federal, state, and local community resources, as available
• Coordinates with external and internal teams to minimize obstacles and increase i  patient and provider satisfaction
• Active participation in Performance Improvement (PI) or regional strategic initiatives
• Active participation in  staff and Interdisciplinary Teams (IDT) meetings
• Adheres to organizational and departmental policies and procedures
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and adheres to the WellMed Core Values
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional development
• Ensures licensure, certifications, and annual training are maintained and compliant
• Maintains knowledge of current health plan benefits
• Performs other duties as assigned

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:

• Texas: Bachelor of Social Work with licensure (LBSW) with 3+ years of experience beyond the required years of experience
  
• Active licensure as required in the applicable state of employment
• Social work licensure in TX
• 3+ years social work experience in a health care environment
• Proficient in MS Office Suite to include Word, Excel, Notes, Outlook, and other departmental specific programs/applications
• Proven excellent oral and written communications skills
• Proven solid organizational skills
• Proven ability to prioritize, plan, and handle multiple tasks/demands simultaneously
• This position requires Tuberculosis screening as well as proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis through lab confirmation of immunity, documented evidence of vaccination, or a doctor’s diagnosis of disease 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Texas: Master of Social Work with licensure (LMSW)
• Experience working with geriatric and behavioral and mental health patient populations
• Long Term Care experience
• Knowledge of disease management, managed care, medical terminology, referral process, claims, and CPT coding
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language proficiency

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes – an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

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.