"Instructor, Social Worker for Elder Abuse Intervention in Primary Care"

Instructor, Social Worker for Elder Abuse Intervention in Primary Care

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine

Job Title: Instructor, Social Worker for Elder Abuse Intervention in Primary Care

Position #00844867 - Requisition #38864

Job Summary:

The Division of Geriatrics is seeking a compassionate social worker to join our multidisciplinary team in a geriatrics. This provider will help lead the development and implementation of a new elder abuse intervention program, embedded into primary care. This is a grant funded position and will include direct clinical care, administrative duties, and participation in research activities.

This integrated care management and behavioral health position will provide comprehensive care coordination, resource navigation, and evidenced-based interventions to older adults experiencing mistreatment and their families or support networks. This position will work in close collaboration with the medical team, including geriatricians, clinical pharmacists, nurses, medical assistants, and care managers. This position will also include outreach work with adult protective services, law enforcement, and other community providers.

This is a 0.5-1.0 FTE position, including actively participating in Division of Geriatrics meetings, clinical care conferences, and university service/committee work.

Key Responsibilities:

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Assess the psychosocial needs of geriatric patients and families dealing with elder mistreatment
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
• Identify and connect patients with appropriate community resources, including transportation, housing, and financial assistance.
• Assist patients in applying for public benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care services
• Advocate for patients and address barriers to care, including socioeconomic factors and health literacy issues
• Serves as a liaison between the patient, healthcare providers, and other community agencies

Behavioral Health & Clinical Care

• Using motivational interviewing and restorative practices to engage patients and supportive loved ones in care
• Offers crisis intervention and support for patients experiencing abuse and neglect
• Coordinates referrals to specialty mental health services when indicated, ensuring continuity of care.
• Participate in QI projects and facilitates group visits as needed.

Administrative & Research Activities

• Help schedule meetings with research team members
• Complete data auditing
• Contribute to team discussions regarding research methodology

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Geriatric Medicine is a highly collaborative, interprofessional team that provides health care to older adults, educates learners from multiple disciplines, and conducts research to improve the lives of older adults and those who care for them. The VESPA team is a dedicated team of social work, geriatricians, forensic nurses, and others who work to improve the care of older adults who have experienced mistreatment. This innovative team aims to improve care through direct clinical care, education to other providers and community members, research, and advocacy.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited institution.
• Current and unrestricted Colorado state licensure as an LMSW, LSW, or LCSW.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in care management, integrated behavioral health in primary care, healthcare settings, protective services, victims services, or other relevant clinical experience.
• Expertise in evidence-based behavioral interventions and psychotherapies (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, etc.).
• Experience working with older adults and knowledge of common behavioral and physical health issues among older adults (e.g., chronic disease management, sleep disruption, depression/anxiety, cognitive decline, grief, caregiver stress, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clinical skills conducting brief and targeted assessments to provide evidence-based brief interventions, health and behavior change, and triage for appropriate level of care.
• A growth mindset that supports flexibility and adaptability in an evolving healthcare environment.
• Works well with diverse patient populations.
• Works effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Comfort working with a wide variety of teams including clinics, home health care, adult protection, and law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clinic providers and staff.
• Works effectively on multiple tasks and maintains a well-organized work environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with professionals across disciplines.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with ethical codes and state and federal laws.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: SABRINA FERGUSON, Sabrina.ferguson@cuanschutz.edu

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$40,000 to $80,000