Family and Communication Services Specialist Alzheimers Institute

Primary City/State: Tucson, Arizona Department Name: BUMG-BAI-Clinic Work Shift: Day Job Category: Clinical Care Find your path in health care. We want to change the lives of those in our care – and the people who choose to take on this challenge. If you’re ready to change lives, we want to hear from you. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is committed to ending Alzheimer’s before we lose another generation. At this center, people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their families access a new standard of care that brings together innovative therapies, advanced treatments and valuable resources. As a Family & Communication Services Specialist you will be responsible for providing vital social work support to patients and their families to help manage the complex, day-to-day challenges of Alzheimer's and related memory disorders. This role requires an MSW 5 years of experience, as this role focuses on day-to-day patient counseling, resource allocation, and serving as a key liaison to the clinical team. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8AM-5PM Banner University Medical Group is our nonprofit faculty practice plan associated with the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Phoenix and Tucson. Our 1,100-plus clinicians provide primary and specialty care to patients at highly ranked Banner - University Medical Centers and dozens of clinics while providing mentorship to more than 1,200 residents and fellows. Our practice values and encourages the three-part mission of academic medicine: research, education and excellent patient care. POSITION SUMMARY This position provides comprehensive care coordination for patients and families, supporting a holistic and coordinated approach across the continuum of care. This position assesses psychosocial aspects of care adding to the treatment plan, providing individual and group psychotherapy, assists with disease management and education to enhance informed decision-making; collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to allow for timely treatment and increased supportive care throughout the patient/family experience. This position provides individual assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help identify and overcome barriers which may hinder quality medical and psychosocial patient care. CORE FUNCTIONS 1. Assesses and manages the patient/family plan of care for the identification and facilitation of resources required during the progression of the chronic condition in order to achieve the optimal clinical, financial, operational, and satisfaction outcomes. 2. Acts in a leadership function with process improvement activities to develop and execute uniquely designed programs for dementia patients and families in order to achieve the optimal clinical, financial, operational, and satisfaction outcomes. 3. Assists the patient/family through the course of dementia using disease management precepts to provide ongoing education, psychosocial support and counseling to assist with adjustment for the patient and family. 4. Coordinates the plan of care using an interdisciplinary holistic approach, making appropriate medical, legal, social and financial referrals and consultations in coordination with physicians and other team members. 5. Ensures that the patient and family understand the dementia diagnosis, disease progression and behavioral strategies and recommended actions, and are provided with appropriate information in coordination with physician and health care providers. Responds to patient/family requests for ongoing information and education regarding the disease process, legal, financial and community resources including respite and residential care options to optimize outcomes. Supports the patient and family during difficult decision-making periods. Assists/facilitates the completion of patient health care directives providing education and emotional support to families. 6. Evaluates patient’s functional, cognitive and emotional abilities and limitations. Determines when intervention is needed. Establishes treatment goals that are measurable reflecting patient/family key limiting factors. Establishes and implements a plan of care to achieve treatment goals. Collaborates with patient and family when setting goal. 7. Educates internal members of the health care team on care coordination of dementia patients/families in the community. Participates in staff development to maintain current standards of practice and ensure the highest quality of care. 8. Establishes and promotes a collaborative relationship with physicians, payers, and other members of the health care team. Collects and communicates pertinent, timely information to payers and others to fulfill utilization and regulatory requirements. 9. This position works independently, with freedom to determine how to best accomplish functions within established procedures. This position confers with supervisor on any unusual situations. This position is facility-based with no budgetary responsibility. Internal customers include all levels of staff, including physicians. External customers include patients, families, employees of other healthcare institutions, physician offices, referring physicians, community providers and agencies, payers, provider networks, and regulatory agencies. This position requires making decisions related to patient care coordination throughout various facilities and with various specialty practices. Decision making required for treatment and standardization of care of patients. This position requires complex problem solving related to plan of care for evaluation, treatment, and discharge planning for patients. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must possess knowledge as normally obtained through the completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work with additional licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker required. Requires a proficiency level typically achieved with 5 years clinical experience. Requires excellent organizational skills and clinical knowledge regarding specialty care services, as well as care coordination of services, legal and financial aspects of diagnostic services and health services in specialty area. Requires effective communication and writing skills, good time management skills and knowledge of word processing and database software applications. Requires the ability to teach both clinical and non-clinical personnel regarding care and diagnostics services. Also requires a good understanding of process improvement. Must having a working knowledge of dementia care precepts. Has created individual and group treatment plans conducting both individual, family and group psychotherapy. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Additional related education and/or experience preferred. EEO Statement: EEO/Disabled/Veterans Our organization supports a drug-free work environment. Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country and the leading nonprofit provider of hospital services in all the communities we serve. Throughout our network of hospitals, primary care health centers, research centers, labs, physician practices and more, our skilled and compassionate professionals use the latest technology to make health care easier, so life can be better. The many locations, career opportunities, and benefits offered at Banner Health help to make the Banner Journey unique and fulfilling for every employee. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefit package for all benefit-eligible positions. Please visit our Benefits Guide for more information. EEO/Disabled/Veterans Banner Health supports a drug-free work environment. Privacy Policy This website contains the current Banner Health job openings. Applications submitted on this site will be securely submitted for consideration. Applying via our careers website is the only way to obtain employment with Banner Health. We will never ask you for personal or banking information, or for equipment to be purchased or sent to us as part of the hiring process. 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