The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards. The Social Worker for Priests' Health plays a role in many of the non-medical aspects of patient care. This includes helping individuals and families navigate the medical system, assessing and monitoring the priests' mental and emotional health, providing short-term therapy, and communicating the priests' needs and concerns to the larger care team. This position's focus is to enhance the priests' overall well-being and assist in coordinating care to meet their healthcare needs. This position will work in collaboration with the Nurse Practitioners for Priests' Health, the Vicars for Priests, and the Priests' Health and Retirement Board (PHR) to ensure that the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago receive the necessary services to maintain and enhance their health. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday but may require occasional evening and weekend work. RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will educate priests and their families about illnesses and treatment plans, conduct psychosocial assessments to identify mental or emotional distress, counsel those in crisis or experiencing distress and connect priests and their families with necessary resources. He/she will focus on personal visits and tailored suggestions to ensure and promote a holistic understanding of well-being for each priest. He/she will work under the guidance of the Office of Vicar for Priests and report directly to the Vicars. He/she will also collaborate with the Priests' Health and Retirement Board (PHR) and other entities associated with priests' health and well-being.
- Schedule regular visits with priests living in a rectory, senior living facility, or individual residence.
- Conduct social work assessments; implement and monitor assessment plan.
- Create a social work plan and goals following each visit.
- Provide information and education on health benefits available to priests through the Archdiocesan healthcare plans.
- Develop and maintain contacts/relationships with local hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, as well as skilled nursing facilities (SNF), assisted living, and senior living communities.
- Assess and refer priests to appropriate treatment options, and coordinate services for priests with behavioral health issues, including addictions.
- Facilitate and assist in discharge planning for priests who have been hospitalized.
- Evaluate rectories and individual residences for safety and continued living, including post-hospital or skilled rehabilitation discharge.
- Develop, facilitate, and implement plans for moving and transitioning priests from independent to assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care.
- Identify and/or coordinate services for long-term care and/or end-of-life care.
- Facilitate and assist the Priests' Health and Retirement Board (PHR) with the process of transitioning to retirement.
- Respond to phone calls or emails requesting resources, information, or assistance with specific healthcare issues.
- Meet weekly with the nurse practitioners and vicars for priests to review activity, provide updates on general health of the priests, and, if necessary, make recommendations for follow up.
- Develop structural and service systems to provide supportive assistance in navigation to promote independence at the various levels of health needs.
EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Values, beliefs, and spirituality consistent with those of the Catholic Church. Knowledge of healing ministry in the Church.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of medical social work experience in adult care or related field.
- Experience, expertise, and comfort in working with men aged 26 and above, and knowledge of the healthcare needs of this population.
- Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
- Able to communicate in a clear, friendly, and empathic manner.
- Able to accommodate flexible hours and take calls after hours.
- Possess and understand current healthcare practices.
- Ability to work autonomously, be self-motivated, self-directed, yet highly collaborative.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Knowledge of productivity enhancement technology including Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, and TEAMS.
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
EDUCATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's degree in social work (MSW) earned from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- LCSW with a minimum of 5 years of field experience preferred.
- Illinois LCSW, or LSW License, or eligibility for Illinois license within one year of employment if currently licensed in a state other than Illinois.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here. This position has an annualized salary range of - $80,000 - $89,000. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.