Remote Licensed Social Worker - Houston Metro Area

WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Remote Licensed Social Worker to join our team in Houston, TX. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. Here, you'll work alongside talented peers in a collaborative environment that is guided by diversity and inclusion while driving towards the Quadruple Aim. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Social Worker is responsible for the assessment, planning, coordination and oversight of services for identified patients within their respective healthcare plan. The position identifies, evaluates, and provides management of services for patients with complex, catastrophic, SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) and/or psychosocial issues to promote quality, effective outcomes throughout the care continuum. The position ensures compliance with state and federal health plan requirements, Medicare guidelines and standards. Acts as a liaison to coordinate and collaborate care with physicians, family, and other providers while always remaining an advocate for patients , putting them at the center of care delivery. The Social Worker will interact and engage with others as an interdisciplinary team member.

Based in Houston, TX, this position offers the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive evaluations and document findings in a concise/comprehensive manner that is compliant with documentation standards for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Performs patient assessments in multiple settings to include but not limited to the patient's home, the PCP/specialists clinic, hospital, and/or skilled nursing facility as needed
• Understands and plans to assure services provided work within the boundaries of the patient's plan eligibility. Coordinates identified patient's needs utilizing federal, state, and local community resources, as available
• Coordinates with external and internal teams to minimize obstacles and increase i patient and provider satisfaction
• Active participation in Performance Improvement (PI) or regional strategic initiatives
• Active participation in staff and Interdisciplinary Teams (IDT) meetings
• Adheres to organizational and departmental policies and procedures
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and adheres to the WellMed Core Values
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional development
• Ensures licensure, certifications, and annual training are maintained and compliant
• Maintains knowledge of current health plan benefits
• Performs other duties as assigned

In 2011, WellMed partnered with Optum to provide care to patients across Texas and Florida. WellMed is a network of doctors, specialists and other medical professionals that specialize in providing care for more than 1 million older adults with over 16,000 doctors' offices. At WellMed our focus is simple. We're innovators in preventative health care, striving to change the face of health care for seniors. WellMed has more than 22,000+ primary care physicians, hospitalists, specialists, and advanced practice clinicians who excel in caring for 900,000+ older adults. Together, we're making health care work better for everyone.

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Texas: Bachelor of Social Work with licensure (LBSW) with 3+ years of experience beyond the required years of experience
• Active licensure as required in the applicable state of employment
• 3+ years of social work experience in a health care environment
• Proficient in MS Office Suite to include Word, Excel, Notes, Outlook, Teams and other departmental specific programs/applications
• Proven excellent oral and written communications skills
• Proven solid organizational skills
• Proven ability to prioritize, plan, and handle multiple tasks/demands simultaneously
• Driver's License and access to a reliable transportation
• Must reside in the Houston metro area

Preferred Qualifications:

• Texas: Masters of Social Work with licensure (LMSW)
• Experience working with geriatric and behavioral and mental health patient populations
• Long Term Care experience
• Knowledge of disease management, managed care, medical terminology, referral process, claims, and CPT coding
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language proficiency

Physical & Mental Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds
• Ability to push or pull heavy objects using up to 25 pounds of force
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use fine motor skills to operate office equipment and/or machinery
• Ability to properly drive and operate a company vehicle
• Ability to receive and comprehend instructions verbally and/or in writing

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

The salary range for this role is $49,300 to $96,400 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.