Care Coordinator / Social Worker Per Diem

Optum; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 39,950 - 71,635; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Incentive and recognition programs

401(k) contribution plan

Job summary

Optum is seeking a Care Coordinator/Social Worker in Waukesha, WI to enhance patient care for health plan members with complex needs. This role entails coordinating resources, educating families, and working closely with healthcare teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in social work and at least two years of healthcare experience. The position is per diem, requiring flexibility to work weekends. Benefits include competitive hourly pay and various incentive programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting.
• 2+ years of experience or knowledge in healthcare terminology.
• Willingness to work per diem shifts, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient care processes for quality outcomes.
• Provide interventions for patient/family support and crisis resolution.
• Assess need for post-hospital services and community resources.

Skills

Critical thinking

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW)

ACM – Social Work Certification

Job description

Care Coordinator/Social Worker is responsible to act as a liaison and assists in coordinating resources for the care of health plan members with multiple co-morbidities and/or psychosocial needs. The role provides counseling and assistance to patients and their families with personal, financial, ethical, and environmental difficulties that predispose patients to illness. The social worker serves as an advocate for members and their families, linking them to community resources and financial assistance programs to help promote maximum independence. The social worker collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team including physicians, nurses, case managers, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, dietitians, other educators, and fellow social workers.

The position is per diem, with employees required to work weekend shifts, expected to work one weekend a month. Hospital locations are in Waukesha, WI. The social worker is responsible for coordination of patient services through an interdisciplinary process that provides a clinical and psychosocial approach through the continuum of care. Discharge planning begins at the time of admission and is reassessed throughout hospitalization. The role includes crisis intervention, comprehensive mental health assessment, brief counseling, collaboration with community vendors, resource identification, facilitation of meetings with the health care team, problem‑solving, and promotion of patient wellness.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient care processes to achieve desired quality outcomes and manage appropriate resource utilization.
• Provide skilled interventions for patient/family support, crisis resolution, facilitation of problem‑solving and decision‑making, advocacy during life‑changing events, and mediation of risk factors and psychosocial issues.
• Assess need for post‑hospital services and community resources at discharge.
• Develop care and management plans for patients who frequent the Emergency Department, partnering with patient physicians, ED providers, and community resources.
• Support patients, caregivers, and families with psychosocial or behavioral needs.
• Educate patients and families on available options and choices within the appropriate level of care.
• Report child and adult abuse and neglect to required agencies and report violence‑related cases appropriately.
• Collaborate with the Care Team on care planning and discharge resources.
• Involve staff at the next level of care when appropriate to promote continuity of care.
• Interface with Department Leaders, Risk Management, and patient representatives to identify potential QA or risk issues.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement projects.
• Initiate all necessary paperwork for reports, plans of care, referrals, and community resources.
• Functionally coordinate and discharge plan for all age groups, including the unborn child through geriatric age groups.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements, including CMS and Joint Commission standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW).
• ACM – Social Work Certification.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a healthcare setting.
• 2+ years of experience or knowledge in healthcare terminology.
• Effective reading, writing, and speaking skills with emotional support capabilities.
• Capacity to work onsite at the hospital location(s) in the Waukesha WI regional area.
• Willingness to work any per diem shift schedules, including weekends once per month.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical social work experience.
• Hospital discharge planning experience.

Soft Skills

• Critical thinking.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication abilities.

Pay and Benefits

The hourly pay ranges from $29.00 to $52.00 per hour based on full‑time employment. Additional compensation may be based on local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, and other factors. Benefits include a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase plan, and 401(k) contribution (subject to eligibility). The role complies with all minimum wage laws applicable to the area.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Drug‑Free Workplace

All candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.