This position develops, coordinates and provides social work services to patients and families who are faced with social, emotional and situational stressors precipitated by illness, injury, and/or disability. The goal is to aid in adaptation and empower the patient and the family to participate to the fullest of their abilities in the care coordination and/or discharge planning processes. This position provides developmentally appropriate care for the population that it serves which includes planning for the safe discharge and continuity of care, the ability to recognize and plan for the unique needs of all ages as well as the physically disabled, mentally ill, chronically ill and terminally ill patient.

About Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is a non-profit facility owned by the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation. A Joint Commission-accredited facility with 152 licensed beds, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the primary referral center for residents of Alaska's interior with a strong patient-to-nurse ratio and Shared Leadership Infrastructure. In addition to our exceptional clinical environment, our location offers incomparable lifestyle rewards away from work. In Fairbanks, small-town living, spectacular natural beauty and endless recreation combine to create a one-of-a-kind place to live, work and play.

Position Available

Per Diem (on call, as needed)

Varied 8 hour shifts

Coverage 7 days per week

1. Processes, plans, and facilitates care coordination, and/or the timely discharge/transfer of patients from acute/observation care from the hospital. Assesses and evaluates the needs of the patient within the framework of their functional abilities, culture and support/resources.

2. Intervenes with patients who have complex or high-risk needs. Offers crisis intervention to patients and families. Assesses patients for psycho-social distress, and provides counseling and referrals as needed. Facilitates and implements the care plan with the proposed interventions in collaboration with the health care team. Collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to develop, manage and communicate the transition of care plan.

3. Documents all interventions in the patient medical record both timely and accurately including all elements of the transition of care plan.

4. Assists and supports patients and families. Provides advocacy and resource services for the patient. Acts as a liaison to health care facilities and community groups.

5. Maintains knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other program benefits to assist patients with discharge planning and choices. Knowledge of contemporary behavioral health and system theories relevant to health care, end of life dynamics, and interventions; grief and bereavement counseling, substance abuse identification and interventions, support of victims of abuse, neglect, or violence. Provides professional education to staff and community.

6. Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all customers of Foundation Health with an excellent service experience by consistently demonstrating our core and leader behaviors each and every day. 

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all customers of Foundation Health with an excellent service experience by consistently demonstrating our core and leader behaviors each and every day.

Requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  Non-temporary AK LMSW license required within 12 months of hire.  Temporary LMSW license acceptable within the first year of hire. 

Requires a proficiency level typically achieved with at least one year of discharge planning experience in a Healthcare setting.

Must have knowledge of government/community agencies, resources, such as Medicare/Medicaid, long term care or other applicable resources/services. Must demonstrate effective communication skills, human relation skills and time management skills. In acute care must be able to work flexible hours and take rotation call after hours/weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

BLS Certification

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Foundation Health Partners is an EEO/AAP employer; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.