Medical Social Associate (Family/Child Support Specialist) - Neonatal ICU/Special Care Nursery

Medical Social Associate (Family/Child Support Specialist) - Neonatal ICU/Special Care Nursery

Hiring Department: Neonatal ICU/Special Care Nursery

Hiring Unit:  University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1022973

Work Schedule:  9:00 am - 5:30 pm or 10:00 am - 7:00 pm based on operational need

Posting Close Date: 2/28/2024

Position Number: CE9537

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a 495-bed tertiary care hospital, 22 outpatient clinics, and 13 Mile Square Health Center facilities, which are Federally Qualified Health Centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position.  UI Health offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience.  In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick.  In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents.  Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits

UI Health is seeking an experienced Medical Social Associate (Family/Child Support Specialist) to join our Neonatal ICU/Special Care Nursery Team. This role will report to the Patient Care Director and Administrative Nurse III of Neonatal ICU/Special Care Nursery and will take direction from leadership under the department. The Family/Child Support Specialist is responsible for collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to create and implement social interventions and programs at UI Health. Family/Child Support interventions include but are not limited to; procedural preparation, support and distraction, support programs and education for siblings and family members, teaching coping techniques and developing coping plans, utilizing knowledge of child development to create appropriate interventions, and providing family-centered care.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interviews families regarding plans for care and provides emotional support.
• Organizes and participates in patient-care case conferences.
• Counsels families on needs and provides such guidance as necessary.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care.
• Assists in maintaining patient records and prepares reports for NICU Leadership Team as required.
• Collects and maintains current information about available community resources beneficial NICU patients and families.
• Explains UI Health (specifically NICU) programs to the community and delivers educational presentations.
• Communicates and assists in resolution of patient complaints leveraging emotional support when needed.
• Primary liaison between families and NICU providers for communication.
• Plans, manages and leads essential patient programs, meetings and events (e.g. PAGES- Parents Are Great).
• Establishes and participates in the planning and implementation of programs that improve the parental experience and engagement with their child.
• Schedules and leads outreach and engagement activities and serve as key team member in the NICU Customer Experience Committee.
• Interacts with families of NICU patients to provide general education and support concerning their infant’s hospitalization and provide behavioral support.
• Develops educational materials for parents to support understanding of their infant’s condition.
• Communicates with the care team on any parental issues that might impact the care of the infant.
• Serves as liaison with the UI Health volunteer department to train and supervise volunteers on the unit and processes/manages their confidential/historical appointment documentation in partnership with Volunteer Services.
• Develops, plans, organize and manages the reflective process supervision for NICU staff.
• Collaborates with academic and clinical staff to produce scholarly work relevant to the NICU experience.
• Provides bereavement and emotional support to NICU families and staff.
• Establishes comfortable relationships with families to ease their adjustments to the hospital while supporting family bonds and utilizing family strengths in the care of the child. Also, encourages the effective use of available programs and resources in the hospital.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities on the Neonatal ICU Units.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1.  A. Bachelor's degree with a major in the social or behavioral science or related health specialty from an accredited college or university.

OR

B. Master's degree in social or behavioral science or related health specialty area from an accredited college or university.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of progressively more responsible full-time experience in the practice of social services/ agencies or medical/clinical setting maintaining acceptable standards of social work practices

3. Demonstrated experience with working/providing emotional support to families in a Neonatal Intensive Care and/or hospital setting required.

4 . Must obtain NIDCAP and Infant Massage certifications within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Child Development

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held.  Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment

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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.

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