Medical Social Associate (UICOMP Peds)

Hiring Department: UICOMP Pediatrics

Location: Peoria, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1018885

Posting Close Date: May 24, 2023

This position is located on the Peoria campus 170 miles southwest of Chicago

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) educates 265 medical students and more than 300 physician residents and fellows annually. Additionally, it provides clinical care to more than 31,000 patients annually and conducts basic science, clinical and outcomes research. UICOMP is a regional campus of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, a part of the University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois System. The College of Medicine Peoria is home to the Cancer Research Center, Center for Wellbeing, and is a collaborator in Jump Simulation. Learn more about UICOMP at http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu.

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary
The Medical Social Associate assists pediatric patients and their families in the coordination of various services and referrals with the goal of improving social and emotional functioning. In collaboration with members of the treatment team the Medical Social Associate provides information about services available, advocates to remove barriers to care and assists in the development of care plans for pediatric patients. This position requires the ability to work with patients/families via the telephone and complete comprehensive documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR). This position functions under administrative supervision of the Administrative Nurse II.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts initial assessment of pediatric patient/family situations through telephone or in-person interviews and a review of case history to identify contributing factors and to determine service needs and goals. Assists patients and their families with concerns for medical neglect. Reviews barriers to care, transportation issues, medication compliance, unmet needs, etc. and determines patient eligibility for services. Assists with DCFS patients when difficulty getting ahold of DCFS or unsure who caseworker is. Counsels patients/parents in determining which Medicaid plan is best for them. Provides crisis intervention as needed for situations such as child abuse and mental health emergencies. Provides counseling to patients and families as appropriate and facilitates communication with providers. Assists in preparation of treatment plans, discharge plans, and follow-up care/service programs. Comprehensively documents all case notes within the patient’s electronic medical record.

• Gathers and maintains up-to-date materials regarding available community resources and creates a network to draw from. Provides both outreach and coordination with community resources and agencies. Serves as a conduit with patient’s school to assist with communication/getting child back to school. Acts as liaison between families and providers to promote effective communication. Coordinates ongoing treatment planning and maintains contact with patient’s healthcare team for integrated, ongoing care. Functions as a community-level advocate on behalf of patients and families.

• Participates on committees that develop and implement performance and quality improvement initiatives. Participates in the review of clinical issues and program policies and procedures.

• Performs work related to the lower level in this series. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation