Care Coordinator/Social Worker

Optum, in strategic partnership with ProHealth Care, offers an exceptional career opportunity for a Social Worker committed to making a tangible difference in the health care landscape of Waukesha County and its surrounding areas. ProHealth Care, with a legacy spanning over a century, stands as a beacon of excellence in health care services. Its long-standing commitment to the community underscores a foundation built on compassion, innovation, and quality care delivery. Together with Optum, the organization fosters a collaborative environment dedicated to nurturing respect, enhancing patient outcomes, and continuously striving for professional and personal growth. This partnership uniquely positions the Social Worker role within a dynamic and supportive team structure aimed at improving community well-being.

This full-time Social Worker role, scheduled Monday through Friday with shifts from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, centers on coordinating comprehensive care for health plan members who often face multiple co-morbidities and complex psychosocial challenges. The role goes beyond clinical duties to encompass counseling patients and families dealing with personal, financial, ethical, or environmental difficulties that could adversely affect health. Serving as both an advocate and resource coordinator, the Social Worker liaises between patients, families, and community resources to promote independence and ensure sustained support.

Integral to this position is active collaboration with an interdisciplinary care team including physicians, nurses, case managers, pharmacists, and other health professionals. Responsibilities include comprehensive patient service coordination encompassing discharge planning from admission onwards, crisis intervention, and mental health support. The Social Worker ensures thorough assessments of patients’ needs, facilitating access to community and financial assistance programs and conducting ongoing support to optimize patient wellness and resource utilization.

The Social Worker is entrusted with direct social work and case management duties aimed at addressing immediate patient and family needs and connecting them with broader community care solutions. This role requires familiarity with mental health diagnoses, brief counseling techniques, and the ability to navigate complex community vendor relationships to address resource gaps. The position also demands adherence to regulatory standards including CMS and Joint Commission requirements, underscoring a strong compliance framework.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, appropriate Social Work Certification, and a minimum of two years’ healthcare experience will thrive. Preference is given to those holding a Master’s degree or possessing clinical social work and hospital discharge planning experience. Key competencies include critical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the emotional intelligence to support patients and families effectively.

Compensation for this role ranges from $49,700 to $88,800 annually, contingent on experience, education, and other relevant factors. The comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, incentive and recognition programs, an equity stock purchase plan, and 401k contributions, all designed to support professional growth and personal well-being. Optum and ProHealth Care stand committed to equitable care access and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, providing a drug-free and supportive environment for all employees.