Ambulatory Care Social Worker at University Physicians' Association – Knoxville, Tennessee

The Ambulatory Care Social Worker is responsible for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) that may impact a patient’s healthcare management, access to care, and overall well-being. The position requires normal business hours, Monday-Friday, and offers a hybrid option for employees who meet performance requirements. Candidate must reside in East Tennessee region and be able to commute to the corporate office located in Knoxville, TN and various primary care clinics throughout the region. Candidate must be able to maintain HIPAA privacy requirements when working in a home office setting.

Note: This position is funded through a grant and is expected to continue until June 30, 2027.

University Health Network is a clinically integrated network with a commitment to ensuring comprehensive care and optimal health outcomes for our patients.

Our Mission: Improve the health of diverse populations through team-based, patient-centered care across the continuum.

Our Vision: Leading the advancement of value-based care.

Our Values: Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Dedication

Benefits Include:

· Remote Work Opportunity

· Medical (including HDHP options), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

· FSA and HSA with employer contribution

· Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave

· Onsite Fitness Center

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· 401K Matching and Immediate Vesting

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Ambulatory Care Social Worker is a full-time position for a new or experienced social worker who will serve as the contact point, advocate, and informational resource for patients, family/caregiver(s), PCP, payers, and community resources. The Ambulatory Care Social Worker role focuses on timely assessment and intervention for patients who screen positive for SDOH needs during ambulatory care clinic visits. The Ambulatory Care Social Worker collaborates closely with multidisciplinary professionals to facilitate care coordination and close referral loops, promoting continuity of care and improved patient outcomes. Success in this position will support ambulatory care patients seeking improved social and economic stability, better access to healthcare, increased self-sufficiency, and reduced crises.

Required:

· LBSW

· Proficiency in communication technologies (email, cell phone, etc.)

· Highly organized with ability to keep accurate notes and records

Desired:

· 1-3 years’ Care Coordination and/or Case Management experience

· Experience with health IT systems and reports

· Strong communication, education, and counseling skills

· Local knowledge about and connections to community health care and social welfare resources

Special Skill Requirements:

· Core values consistent with a patient- and family-centered approach to care.

· Demonstrates professional, appropriate, effective, and tactful communication skills, including written, verbal, and nonverbal.

· Acknowledges patient’s rights and always maintains patient confidentiality. Follows HIPAA guidelines and regulations.

· Proactively acts as patient advocate, responding with empathy and respect to resolve patient and family concerns. Recognizes opportunities to address patient concerns.

· Proactively continues to educate self on providing quality care and improving professional skills.