Job Summary: A person who oversees the psychosocial care and support of patients with chronic renal disease who are undergoing renal replacement therapy.

Qualifications:

• Social Worker who holds a Master’s Degree in social work with specialization in clinical practice from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Licensed in states where licensure is available.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

The statements below describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this role. They are not intended to be a complete list of all duties, and additional responsibilities may be delegated as required.

1. Orientation of the new patient and family to dialysis:

a. Meets with the prospective patient and his/her family to assist with an initial understanding of renal disease and dialysis as treatment, and offers emotional support to them as needed.

b. Completes an initial psychosocial component to the Interdisciplinary Assessment within 30 days of admission, a subsequent assessment at 90 days, then an annual update which is filed in the patient's medical record.

c. The concept of Advanced Directives is reviewed with the patient and family. Any concerns regarding the patient's emotional state are discussed with the attending physician and Facility Administrator.

d. Any immediate needs, such as transportation to/from the clinic, are addressed as soon as possible upon/ after admission to the facility.

e. The Care Plan is completed within the first 30 days of admission. Subsequent Care Plans need to be implemented within 15 days of completing the Interdisciplinary Assessment. Options for treatment of ESRD are reviewed with the patient, and the social worker acts as liaison with the physician to provide all necessary information regarding modalities to the patient