Student Social Work Clinical Placement

Fresenius Medical Care North America; Kutztown (Berks County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated student intern to support their mission of providing exceptional patient care. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, working closely with licensed social workers to assess patients' needs and deliver tailored educational programs. The intern will play a vital role in enhancing patient satisfaction and contributing to the quality of care. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference, this internship could be the perfect stepping stone in your career.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills and alignment with company values are preferred.
• Ability to assess patients' psychosocial status and provide counseling.

Responsibilities

• Assist in patient assessments and care planning under supervision.
• Provide education tailored to patients' needs regarding kidney disease.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Patient Care

Psychosocial Assessment

Counseling

Communication

Education

High School diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The student intern supports FMCNA's mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. The student intern functions as part of the hemodialysis healthcare team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed social worker, in accordance with FMCNA policies, procedures, training, and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including those related to patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the FMC Quality Enhancement Goals (QEP).

DUTIES / ACTIVITIES: This role is an integral part of Social Work education that promotes students' identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of the profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge; and promotes the development of professional competence (CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards). A minimum number of required field education hours are established by the CSWE.

The social worker student/intern may, under the direct guidance of a Licensed Social Worker:

• CUSTOMER SERVICES:
  • Responsible for driving the FMS culture through values and customer service standards.
  • Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
  • Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
  • Takes initiative and action to respond, resolve, and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.
• PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES RELATED TO PATIENT CARE:
  • Patient Assessment/Care Planning Counseling:
    • Assess patients' psychosocial status, strengths, and areas of need that may affect rehabilitation and treatment outcomes as part of the comprehensive patient assessment.
    • Participate in care planning with the patient and healthcare team to identify effective interventions to meet rehabilitation and treatment goals.
    • Utilize FMS Ultra Care patient education programs, social work theory, and quality of life measurement instruments in assessment and care planning.
    • Provide outcomes-driven psycho-educational counseling to improve areas of need, treatment adherence, and quality of life.
    • Offer supportive and goal-directed counseling to patients seeking transplant.
    • Assess patient awareness of advance directives, facilitate discussions, and assist with accessing related forms/information.
    • Provide general information about Do Not Resuscitate Orders and Advanced Directives.
    • Assist with referrals to community resources to facilitate treatment outcomes.
    • Address non-adherence and quality of life concerns through usual care and/or Social Work Intensive services.
    • Adhere to FMCNA Social Work Policy, including documentation.
  • Patient Education:
    • Assess patient knowledge of kidney disease and barriers to adherence.
    • Provide education tailored to the patient's learning style and needs.
    • Collaborate with the team to inform about treatment modalities and facilitate transplant referrals.
    • Educate patients and families about psychosocial issues related to ESRD and available support services.
    • Review patient rights, responsibilities, grievance procedures, and facility policies.
    • Participate in QAI activities as appropriate.
  • Insurance and Financial Assistance:
    • Maintain knowledge of local vocational/educational programs and assist with referrals.
    • Understand FMCNA financial policies and collaborate with Financial Coordinators to educate patients about assistance programs and billing concerns.
  • Staff Related:
    • Collaborate with administrative staff to maintain updated patient resource lists.
    • Develop and provide training on psychosocial topics and Ultra Care Programs.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The work involves desk and computer work, interaction with patients and staff, and travel between facilities. The environment is a healthcare setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases. Accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

  EDUCATION: High School diploma or G.E.D.

  EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS: Preferred excellent customer service skills, desire to deliver superior patient care, and alignment with Fresenius' mission and values.

  RELATIONSHIPS: The intern cannot work under the supervision of or care for a family member who is a patient at the facility. If a family member is a patient, scheduling will be adjusted accordingly.

  SUPERVISION: The Clinical Manager assigns and closely monitors all SW Intern tasks with direct supervision from a SWFI based on the education plan.

  OTHER: Additional duties as assigned.

  Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

  EOE, disability/veterans