Senior Social Worker-MSW/LSW (REACCH Program)

at  UPMC

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND CLEARANCES:

SW Required.

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting
• Act 33
• Act 34
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

PURPOSE:

Performs a vital role by supporting REACCH program medical case management and social work clients. Reports directly to Case Management and Social Work Supervisor. Works in tandem with the team to improve health outcomes for the most marginalized clients. Completes community outreach to locate lost-to-care clients and those with mobility issues as needed, and then carries out evidence-based intervention to re-engage clients in HIV medical care. Develops creative strategies, utilizes motivational interviewing, and strengths-based perspectives to meet clients where they are and help lessen barriers to care.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide both short-term and long-term client interventions and maintain a caseload of approximately 35 medical case management and social work clients.
• Perform and follow-up according to Part B Ryan White medical case management standards.
• Link newly diagnosed and lost-to-care clients to medical care at the REACCH Program-meet clients in the hospital, at community agencies, across UPMC outpatient offices to connect them to medical care assess for barriers to care.
• Completes social work assessments and follow-up for new patients at the REACCH Program.
• Facilitate REACCH support group at least one time per month.
• Link clients to community resources and departmental resources such as mental health care, substance abuse services, housing, to name a few.
• Ensure all clients applying for financial assistance meet eligibility and financial requirements.
• Work one-on-one and in a group setting with clients to become self-advocates along their HIV diagnosis and treatment journeys.
• Offe a safe space for clients to express their perceived strengths, barriers to treatment, and explore individualized strategies for success.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Provide rapid INSTI HIV testing on-site at REACCH and off-site in the community.
• Participate in community outreach & engagement events.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Master’s degree from school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education - Required
• Two (2) years in social work experience in hospital, outpatient clinic, medical rehabilitation center or mental health program required.
• Interest in community-based social work and home visits preferred.
• Demonstrated organization, attention to detail, and computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and work with people with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in the HIV/AIDS field preferred.
• Understanding of motivational interviewing, harm reduction philosophy, and strengths-based client-focused techniques preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.