The Medical Clinic Social Worker is responsible for completing and coordinating the patient medical assessment and plan of care for new patients while obtaining resources and seeking alternative medical care for ongoing patients; helps identify and address psychosocial problems that affect patient’s quality of health and social functioning in the community; and works in conjunction with multi-disciplinary team to maintain the highest level of medical and social work standards while carrying out the mission of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Mission:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

• Complete medical and social service assessments for each clinic patient.  Keep accurate and current case notes on each patient.  Contact various medical and social service agencies and assist in coordinating supportive services on behalf of the patient.
• Maintain necessary statistical data and required forms/reports for all eligible patients as required by The Salvation Army, Aurora, UW Medical Group and Healthcare for the Homeless.
• Coordinate patient care with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals working/volunteering in The Salvation Army Medical Clinic and in the community.
• Interviews patients to obtain information concerning their health issues and their current economic standing. Determines eligibility and coordinates the scheduling of patients for Medical Clinic services.
• Identifies psychosocial, economic and physical needs of clients; assesses and reassesses client's support systems, available community resources and other factors to plan, develop, and implement an appropriate service plan.
• Work with the Patient Assistance program to determine verification of pharmaceutical availability for Clinic patients.  Process documentation and enrollment forms for clients to designated pharmaceutical companies.  Navigate and track the Needy Meds website for updated medication, forms and income levels.
• Participate as an interdisciplinary team that includes health professionals from various disciplines to develop and coordinate a plan of service for the patient.  Refers clients to appropriate community medical, emotional, transitional and permanent housing programs, economic and social support organizations, job training programs, Protective Payee services, Children’s Center; advocates for or assists the client in obtaining such services.
• Prepares complete and accurate case notes; writes correspondence, reports and other written materials; may prepare statistical reports and summaries; inputs data into Service Point.
• Schedule, coordinate and record mandatory TB tests and test results for all shelter residents.  Provides information to community health department to schedule required chest x-rays.
• Arranges for the transporting of patient’s lab work to Aurora Rivercenter for processing.
• Copy, send or fax medical documents to medical providers/Social Security Administration within the HIPAA laws.
• Abide by all HIPAA Laws governing medical records and ensure that all Clinic documentation regarding patients is kept secure and confidential.
• Establishes and maintains a professional working relationship with other community clinics and hospitals for referrals and follow-up services on behalf of The Salvation Army Medical Clinic.
• Perform basic administrative tasks related to the Clinic, includes; answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, sorting mail, preparing patient medical charts, updating community resource lists and health education materials, providing statistical reports and summaries, inputting data into ServicePoint.
• Develop and implement quality assurance process for the Medical Clinic; including but not limited to patient surveys.
• Participate in agency and community meetings regarding the homeless medical clinic.
• Orient new Salvation Army staff to clinic procedures and services.
• Represent The Salvation Army Homeless Medical Clinic to medical professionals/organizations in the community.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Case manage Emergency Lodge residents when assigned by the Homeless Services Director
• Works with the Emergency Lodge Director and the Milwaukee County Social Services Director to provide additional services for clients.
• Other duties as assigned and appropriate for this position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s in Social Work
• Two years case work experience in a social service agency, or fieldwork.
• Previous experience in hospital/clinic setting preferred.

- OR -

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license with clearance to drive from The Salvation Army’s insurance carrier preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social work and case management techniques relevant to the services offered.
• Federal regulations and state laws applicable to the programs.
• Professional boundaries and ethics for licensed social workers.
• Advanced interviewing skills.
• Advanced psychosocial assessment skills.
• Public and private medical and social services providers within the community and community resources and programs available to clients with identified needs.
• Collaborative case planning.
• De-escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Computer applications related to the work including strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet and e-mail.
• Record keeping principles and practices; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Programs and eligibility requirements for the Social Security Administration, State Medicaid and Badger Care, County Social Service and Food Stamps, and other relevant programs.
• The Salvation Army’s Safe From Harm program.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, apply and explain applicable complex laws, codes, regulations and procedures.
• Assess cases appropriately and utilize the most appropriate community resources to provide effective client services.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate exceptionally well orally, in writing and over the telephone.

Mental and Physical Requirements:            

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Much of this job is performed indoors in normal room temperature conditions.  When the duties require being outdoors, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

At times the duties will involve working with individuals having infectious and/or communicable diseases.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.