Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU Social Worker - Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact with an Early Careers research analyst opportunity on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm in your time zone. This is not a "que" based position.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Social Worker is responsible for providing social work services to families of critically ill newborn infants.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Communicate directly with families of babies currently admitted or recently discharges from the NICU, physicians, and community/governmental agencies
• Collaborate with NICU nurses and/or NICU Social Worker/Discharge Planners regarding barriers or challenges families are confronting and assist with solutions to prevent delay in infant's discharge
• Through direct telephonic assessment, support family members throughout their baby's illness including physical health, mental status, and social concerns
• Assist families in applying for Social Security Disability Benefits and/or Medicaid Waiver programs
• Assess for social, economic, and emotional factors
• Assist members and families in long term care planning when necessary
• Develop working knowledge of resources readily available to interdisciplinary team and families
• Promote effective use and monitoring of community resources, and assist with optimizing available benefits including referrals to outside vendors
• Providing education on community, state, and federal resources
• Assess for postpartum depression by completing a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ2/PHQ9)

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:

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Active and unrestricted social work license in the state of residence
• 3+ years of clinical experience in the neonatal / NICU setting
• Knowledge of pertinent websites, community resources, and other ways to assist consumers
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office including as Word, Outlook, and Teams
• Access to high-speed internet (Cable Broadband, DSL, Fiber) and a dedicated workspace at home

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Case Manager (CCM)
• Experience working in Managed Care / Insurance (MCO)
• Discharge planning experience
• Knowledge and experience of Medicaid programs and regulations
• 7+ years of NICU social worker experience
• Very solid oral and written communication skills for a variety of audiences (i.e., families of babies in NICU, providers, community resources, etc.)

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Washington Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $58,300 to $114,300 annually. 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.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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