Why Join the Department of Social Work Guest Assistance Program team? 

As a member of this team, you will assume leadership for educating, coordinating and assisting patients and families with identifying appropriate resources for environmental challenges related to healthcare. This role will assist patients with navigating financial and/or insurance issues and will connect and/or enroll patients in assistance programs for medication and healthcare needs. The program also provides information, education, and support to medical teams regarding available assistance opportunities as needed.  The outcome of these services is to support patients and families, to help maximize their participation in and benefit from health care, and to assist in removing barriers to continuity of care.

The Department of Social Work strives to foster an environment of respect, diversity, and inclusion; a place where every person feels valued and can thrive. We are seeking a diverse candidate pool who is passionate about providing optimal psychosocial care to this patient population.

What Perks and Benefits Can You Look Forward to?

• 2:1 match on retirement savings
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one of employment
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Financial support for continuing education and certifications

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

You will be responsible for:

• Assisting patients with environmental difficulties that interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care. 
• Creating and executing standardized processes for screening patients for assistance eligibility.
• Performing brief assessment and consistent reassessment of patient and family needs, providing consistent education on benefits, assistance eligibility, and available resources. 
• Practicing principles of patient and family centered care.
• Working with multidisciplinary clinic staff to identify and optimize family information, education and enrollment opportunities.
• Serving as an information resource and entry point to aid patients in managing new financial reality often created by severe and chronic illness.
• Working directly with patients both face-to-face and by phone contacts. 

• Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education 
• Some experience in social work is necessary
• A current license to practice social work in the State of Michigan
• Brief psychosocial assessment skills and the ability to work well with diverse patient populations in need of a variety of support and services 
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills 
• Word, Access and Excel experience
• Independence, excellent problem solving skills, knowledge of community resources and ability to prioritize competing demands
• Analytical, organization and computing skills

• Knowledge of health care systems
• Familiarity with hospital billing procedures
• Understanding of healthcare insurance programs, resources and eligibility criteria
• Understanding of and ability to navigate complex systems and community resources
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to form effective therapeutic relationships
• Advances critical thinking, assessment and problem-solving skills
• Skilled in developing rapport and effectively communicating with a diverse patient population.

This is full-time, 40 hour/week position. The typical schedule is Monday-Friday with start and end times of 8:30-5:00.  Schedule may shift in the future to meet program requirements.

This position will work at a primary location:

• Guest Assistance Program, University Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.