Social Worker - Eligibility

Mercy Medical Center; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to support patient- and family-centered care. The role focuses on screening for financial assistance, guiding patients through Medicaid and Mercy Financial Assistance applications, and coordinating with care teams to address insurance coverage needs.

Responsibilities include documenting in the electronic medical record, assessing psychosocial factors, collaborating with community agencies, and following Mercy safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preference for Social Work.
• CMS MLMS Training must be completed annually to assist patients with Marketplace coverage.
• Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility and MPEP training annually required.
• Certified Application Counselor (CAC) required or obtained within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Communicate accurate information to patients, families, and co-workers during handoffs.
• Assess social, emotional, and economic factors through initial and ongoing evaluations.
• Document in medical records accurately and timely per standards.
• Screen ED patients for Iowa Medicaid eligibility and Mercy Financial Assistance.
• Glean information from patients using the EPIC system.
• Assist patients with completing required documents for applications.
• Enter patient information into computer systems to maintain records.
• Provide back-up for registration when needed.
• Coordinate with community agencies to address patient needs.
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators to monitor insurance coverage eligibility.
• Follow safety guidelines and deliver outstanding customer service.
• Remain flexible in a fast-paced environment and multi-task as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Client advocacy

Microsoft Office

Professional demeanor

Team coordination

Multitasking

Task management

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Related field considered (psychology/human services)

CMS MLMS Training (annual)

Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility training (annual)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

This position is weekend option Work Shift Weekend Option Scheduled Weekly Hours 36 Summary This position supports Mercy’s patient-centered care philosophy by providing our patients and their families support and resources to manage the many psychosocial aspects of illness. This may include assisting patients in screening for financial assistance and helping them secure any eligible coverage. The role involves communicating through various channels (e.g., telephone, fax, email) to provide patients with the necessary information to access the coverage they need.

Job Description Job Duties:

• Ensures that all accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families and co-workers at handoffs and other times as needed.
• Assesses patients/family social, emotional and economic factors through initial assessment and ongoing evaluation/assessment and reassessment.
• Documents in the medical record accurately, timely and in accordance with professional and department-specific standards.
• Screens emergency department patients for eligibility for Iowa Medicaid and Mercy Financial Assistance, assisting them in completing any required applications.
• Gathers information regarding patients utilizing the EPIC system.
• Assists patients in completing all required documents necessary for their application.
• Enters patient information into computer systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Provides back up for registration when the patient or situation requires initiating the patient record by interviewing patients or a representative.
• Maintains patient records by discharging, editing, transferring and completing other needed functions.
• Coordinates with various community agencies to address patients' needs.
• Collaborates with Care Coordinators and other care team members to gather information about the patient’s needs and keep them updated on the patient’s insurance coverage eligibility as necessary.
• Conducts follow-up by contacting patients, their families, authorized representatives, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and any other necessary agencies to complete the application.
• Develops and maintains reports and statistical information on a timely monthly basis.
• Responds promptly and efficiently to customer inquiries, demonstrating patience, empathy, and professionalism.
• Supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization.
• Delivers outstanding customer service to ensure an exceptional patient experience, reflecting the Mercy Touch.
• Other related duties as required.
• Follow’s Mercy’s safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong client advocacy and support skills, with the ability to empathize and guide individuals through challenging circumstances.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and communication style that builds credibility with patients and colleagues.
• Coordinates and communicates effectively with team members, clients, and other departments to keep workflows on track.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining flexibility.
• Organizes and manages daily tasks, ensuring all responsibilities are completed in a timely manner.
• Handles multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Responds to requests promptly and efficiently, adapting to changing needs as necessary.
• A commitment to providing outstanding customer service and enhancing the overall patient or client experience.
• Ability to work with minimal to no supervision.
• Will be responsible for either the Patient Financial Services or the Emergency Department patients.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven experience in a role requiring strong organizational skills, multitasking, and providing client-centered services.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on delivering clear, courteous, and professional customer interactions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in all tasks.

Professional Experience

Social Work experience in a Health Care Setting is preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, strongly prefer Bachelor’s in Social Work.
• Bachelor’s in a related area i.e. psychology or human services may be considered.
• Must complete The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) MLMS Training annually to assist patients with Marketplace coverage.
• Must complete the Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility and MPEP Training annually to assist patient with Presumptive Medicaid and Traditional Medicaid applications.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required.
• Employee must submit Certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.
• Certified Application Counselor (CACs) required or must obtain within 3 months of hire/transfer.

Physical Requirements

• Light: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently

Pay Rate Type Hourly

• Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.