(Hybrid) Social Worker - Clinical and Translational Science Institute

The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Social Worker

About the Opportunity

The Social Worker will assess participants' needs, develop patient centered plans, and work with participants to achieve their optimal health post discharge from the hospital after admission for infectious complication from injecting opioids according to the CHOICE-STAR protocol across the healthcare system being implemented at West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) Clinical Trials Center of Excellence (COE).

Study Title: The Continuum of Care in Hospitalized Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Complications of Drug Use - NavSTAR, TAU, Addiction/ID Integrated Clinic to Prevent Infection Related Readmission (CHOICE-STAR)

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• The Social Worker applies the theories, knowledge, procedures, methods, and/or ethics derived from a formal educational program in social work to restore or enhance social functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations or communities through assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and advocacy to maximize the individual's well-being.
• This position will work in concert with existing resources in the hospital system and broader community to ensure continuity of care (initial linkage and subsequent retention) during the 6-month period after hospital discharge when participants are at elevated risk of disengaging from care, inpatient readmission, and other adverse outcomes.
• Assess risk by screening and interviewing clients. Identify and construct service plans that best meet the client's needs and determine best resources available.
• Develop plans by identifying programs and services available for a variety client issues dealing with challenges, change, and crisis.
• Maintain case history records and document client(s) progress. May perform chart reviews and generates notes on evaluations, therapy sessions, reports, and other accountability measures.
• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, childcare, and/or medical care in accordance with licensure.
  
• Provide training, guidance, and support to others preparing for use of resources.
• Using expert knowledge of medical terminology and hospital-based care, exercises independent judgement and decision making.
• Reviews the medical records of patients in order to understand clinical diagnosis and utilize this information to make informed decision regarding continuum of care.
• Utilizes clinical knowledge and expertise to provide assessment, intervention where appropriate.
• Manages all aspects of transition care for assigned patients in a timely manner using escalation processes as needed when barriers encountered
• Maintains extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local assistance programs and community resources that affect patient needs.
• Monitors the patient's progress; intervening as necessary and appropriate, to ensure that the plan of care and services provided are patient focused, high quality, efficient, and cost effective.
• Provides social work assessment and interventions for complex crisis including but not limited to mental health, substance abuse, adjustment to health status and grief/loss situations
• Identifies barriers to outpatient treatment entry or barriers to accessing care
• Links patients to community resources
• Other department specific duties may be assigned.
  

Supervisory/Lead Role
Position reports to the Assistant Director of Clinical Research, WV CTSI Clinical Trials COE. Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments. Supervision of others is not required, however, sharing of knowledge with others and team participation is expected in the role. Program, project or activity lead responsibilities may occur or be assigned in this position.

Physical Demands
Activities require manual skill to provide and/or alter services and/or products. Manual dexterity used in operating office equipment. Prolonged periods of sitting, and the ability to walk short distances is required. Use of elevators and/or stairs is routine. Activities are predominantly non-manual though some manual work not directly involved with altering or transporting of products may be included.

Work Environment
This position will be assigned a normal office setting. Fluctuations in heating/air conditioning temperatures occur with the change of seasons. Responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures.

• Master's Social Work Degree required
• LGSW/LCSW/LICSW certification in the state of West Virginia required
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience preferred
• Hospital based medical social work duties required
• Professional experience referring patients through the medical continuum of care: home health, hospice care, nursing, and rehabilitation required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses excellent interpersonal communication and negotiations skills in interactions with participants, families, providers, and healthcare team colleagues.
• Ability to work with people of all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds and be flexible, open- minded, and adaptable to change.
• Strong problem-solving, risk assessment and impact analysis abilities.
• Strong work processing skills and understanding and the ability to handle stress and work under pressure.
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with use, including Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in both cross-functional teams and independently is required.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and co-workers.
• General knowledge of medical terminology
• Skilled at effective data collection and creating effective customized reports.
• Skilled at identifying and verifying appropriate clinical source documentation for data reporting.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
  
  

Behavioral Competencies

• Technical skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; pursues training and development opportunities; assess strengths, weaknesses, and shares expertise with others.
• Problem solving - Gathers and analyzes information, identifies problems, develops alternatives, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics and works well in groups and resolves matters timely.
• Internal & External Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional matters with objectivity and openness; responds promptly to needs and requests for service and assistance; meets commitments and dates, notifies others if change occurs; provides, solicits and applies feedback; and builds goodwill through balanced contributions, positive approach, respect and support of others.
• Communications - Demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings, listens and gets clarification, is responsive and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations. Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, presents numerical data effectively, and able to read and interpret written information.
• Organizational Support - Aligns work and develops strategies to meet organizational goals; seeks to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; and upholds organizational expectations and values.
• Self-Management - Responds to management direction; resourcefully adapts to changes in work environment and circumstances; responds well under pressure and manages competing demands; takes calculated risks, asks for and offers help when needed; exercises discretion and sound judgment; is tactful and responsible for own actions. Adheres to work schedule and complies with leave management responsibilities.
  

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.