Memory Care Social Worker
Company: Tufts Medical Center
Location: Boston
Posted on: October 14, 2024
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Job Description:
Job Profile SummaryThis new position is central to the Tufts
Medicine Memory Care Program, supporting individuals living with
dementia and their caregivers through comprehensive social work
services. The Memory Care social worker will play a key role in
supporting the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE)
Model, an innovative payment model developed by the Center for
Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Additionally, the social worker
will provide essential support to families of patients treated
within the interdisciplinary memory care clinic and primary care,
ensuring continuity of care and promoting early detection through
memory screenings. This role is integral to the program's goal of
establishing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary Memory Care
Program, which will integrate medical and non-medical services to
improve patient outcomes, retention, and overall quality of life
for both individuals with neurocognitive disorders and their
caregivers.Job OverviewThe Memory Care social worker will provide
clinical services, support, education, and resource coordination to
patients and caregivers, with a focus on integrating services
within both primary care and specialty care in the
interdisciplinary memory clinic. The social worker will be a key
contributor, providing clinical services and helping to triage
patients into appropriate levels of care. Additionally, the role
will involve close collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to
ensure unified integration of services and support, which is
crucial to both disease management and program
differentiation.Minimum Qualifications:Master's degree in Social
Work from an accredited institution.Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(LCSW) or ability to become licensed in Massachusetts.At least one
(1) year of experience in a health care setting, with an emphasis
on dementia care.Preferred Qualifications:Three (3) years of
related experience, particularly in dementia care or working with
older adults.Experience in interdisciplinary care coordination,
crisis intervention, and caregiver support.Duties and
Responsibilities:GUIDE Model and Primary Care Support: Provide
social work services as part of the interdisciplinary care team for
the GUIDE Model, ensuring compliance with CMS requirements and
delivering tailored support to patients within primary care
settings.Patient Screening: Participate in the memory screening
process, promoting early detection and prevention of dementia. Help
triage patients into specific levels of care based on risk
stratification, ensuring timely and appropriate
interventions.Memory Clinic and Specialty Care Support: Offer
clinical services, support, and care coordination for families of
patients treated in the interdisciplinary memory clinic,
facilitating seamless transitions between primary and specialty
care. Caregiver Support and Education: Deliver strategies and
resources to help caregivers manage the challenges of dementia
care, improving their quality of life and reducing caregiver
burnout. Provide education on disease progression, care strategies,
and available support services, which is essential for patient
retention and overall program success.Care Plan Development:
Collaborate with healthcare teams to develop personalized care
plans for individuals with dementia, integrating both medical and
psychosocial support tailored to each patient's unique needs.Crisis
Intervention and Resource Coordination: Provide crisis intervention
services and connect families to appropriate community resources,
including home care services, respite care, and dementia-specific
support groups. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with
other members of the interdisciplinary care team, including Care
Navigators, physicians, and other dementia care specialists, to
ensure comprehensive care coordination and support for GUIDE
participants and memory clinic patients.Patient Advocacy: Act as an
advocate for patients and their families, ensuring dignity,
respect, and access to all available services and resources
throughout their care journey.Program Differentiation: Support the
integration of non-medical services into the memory care program,
particularly caregiver support and education services, which are
critical to both the effectiveness of disease management and the
program's differentiation in the field of dementia care.Skills &
Abilities:Strong understanding of dementia care, neurocognitive
disorders, and the associated challenges facing patients and
caregivers. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with
the ability to build trust and rapport with patients, families, and
the healthcare team. Knowledge of community resources,
dementia-related support services, and the case management process.
Ability to function effectively in high-stress situations, such as
crisis interventions and family consultations. Commitment to
continuous learning in dementia care advancements, including
therapeutic innovations and research.Physical Requirements:Normal
office setting and patient care environments.This role is integral
to the success of the Tufts Medicine Memory Care Program,
positioning the organization as a leader in dementia care. The
social worker will support the program's mission to enhance quality
of life for individuals living with dementia, reduce caregiver
strain, and promote patient retention through comprehensive,
interdisciplinary care services.
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing
together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver
exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers
across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell
General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial
Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network,
and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity
employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts
Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic
information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity
and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic
protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that
individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation
to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and
privileges of employment. Please contact us to request
accommodation by emailing us at .
Keywords: Tufts Medical Center, Weymouth , Memory Care Social Worker, Healthcare , Boston, Massachusetts
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