Nephrology Social Worker
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD MED - Nephrology - Advanced Practice Providers and Other Clinical Staff

About the Department

The Section of Nephrology in the Department of Medicine is comprised of twenty-two faculty members, one PhD scientist, and ten postdoctoral fellows in training devoted to a mission of excellence in patient care, education and research. The Section carries out a range of translational and clinical research in the areas of hereditary kidney diseases, nephrolithiasis, race-specific differences in cation handling by the kidney, acute kidney injury, nutrition, and ESRD related issues including dialysis access and health disparities.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago has an internal medicine practice for patients at high risk of hospitalization that is staffed by Comprehensive Care Physicians (CCPs) who care for these patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. These patients have a high degree of acuity and require specialized care from a multidisciplinary team. Chronic kidney disease is a subset of patients within the CCP program and are seen in the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic in DCAM.

The Nephrology Social Worker will provide psycho-social support for a panel of chronic kidney disease patients with complex ancillary needs, including: management of care transitions efforts; assess and triage the psychological needs of the patient and their family; hold family and group counseling or support sessions; contribute to the development of comprehensive service plan; assist patients in obtaining needed services, perform outreach, perform entitlement counseling, monitor and follow-up to ensure that services are appropriate and modified when necessary; work in collaboration with the Nephrology and CCP interdisciplinary team and carry out daily responsibilities independently; participate in program process improvement and research activities.

Responsibilities

• Management of care transitions efforts.
  
• Assess and triage the psychological needs of the patient and their family.
  
• Hold family and group counseling or support sessions.
  
• Contribute to the development of comprehensive service plan.
  
• Assist patients in obtaining needed services.
  
• Perform outreach. Perform entitlement counseling.
  
• Monitor and follow-up to ensure that services are appropriate and modified when necessary.
  
• Work in collaboration with the Renal and CCP interdisciplinary team and carry out daily responsibilities independently.
  
• Participate in program process improvement and research activities.
  
• Interprets, monitors, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
  
• Analyzes potential problems in home or work environments of clients.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree or higher in Social Work from an accredited institution.
  

Experience:

• Experience working in a social service program utilizing evidence-based practice.
  
• Experience working with children and/or families from high-risk, low-income, urban backgrounds or experience working with children as a counselor or teacher or teaching assistant (for school positions).
  
• Experience working with African American patients and individuals with chronic disease (preferably Chronic Kidney Disease).
  
• Experience with patient education, health coaching and/or motivational interviewing.
  
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public social welfare agencies.
  
• Knowledge of current human service issues and theories.
  
• Familiarity with evidence-based practice methods.
  
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, NASW Code of Ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to assess, plan, and implement intervention plans appropriate for children with learning disabilities.
  
• Ability to identify and use appropriate intervention methodologies to meet the needs of children with learning disabilities.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate with the students, parents, and other professionals.
  
• Ability to develop reports and maintain records.
  
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality while handling sensitive situations.
  
• Ability to handle tasks requiring a high level of attention to detail.
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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