Overview
Salus University, founded as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1919, today is a diversified, globally recognized professional academic center of learning that offers a wide range of degree programs in the professions of Optometry, Audiology, Physician Assistant, Public Health, Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Biomedicine, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Orthotics and Prosthetics. Salus operates four clinical facilities in the Philadelphia area that provide highly specialized vision, hearing and balance, and speech-language pathology services. The University has more than 1,100 students, including PhD candidates, and more than 14,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, please visit www.salus.edu.
Salus University is seeking a skilled professional to fill the full time Social Worker position for the Low Vision Services Program at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. As a member of a dynamic interdisciplinary team, provide social service support to patients across the lifespan, their families and relevant others who seek services at the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center (WFVRC) and The Eye Institute (TEI). This includes patient education, case management, community outreach and participating in the clinical education of students in the low vision service within TEI.
What You Will Bring to Salus:
As a Social Worker, you will educate patients, family members and professionals about what to expect from low vision services prior to and during low vision evaluations as well as conduct an initial assessment of patient needs and goals and present this information to team members prior to the initial visit. In this position, you will provide case management to low vision patients, provide patients with information regarding resources related to low vision and the broader community and document pertinent psychosocial information in patient's electronic health record. In addition, you will provide intervention as needed to address psychosocial issues including adjustment to vision loss, mental health issues, referrals for crisis services such as suicide prevention, child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence and drug and alcohol issues. This individual will participate in the clinical education of students through meetings, lectures and clinical observation as well as participate in community outreach to consumers and professionals. In addition, you will act as a liaison with community resources and assist in making referrals as needed. Finally, you will participate in grant writing and fund-raising activities to support clinic services for financially needy patients, initiate and facilitate support groups and perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience Required:
- Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Current state license to practice social work
- Minimum of 2 years' experience of direct care in a health care setting
- Excellent computer skills and essential knowledge and utilization of electronic health records systems
Other Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Prior experience working with disabilities (physical, developmental) across the lifespan
- Prior experience in the field of blindness and visual impairment
- Experience working on an interdisciplinary team
- Strong clinical and educational related technology skills
- Bilingual skills (especially Spanish)
- Demonstrates history of a positive work ethics
Salary Range: $68,000-$78,000 based on experience
About Salus University and the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation
Salus is an important education and healthcare provider to the greater Philadelphia region. Academic programs at the university are offered by three Colleges: the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the George S. Osbourne College of Audiology, and the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation. The College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation is home to several professional and graduate programs in Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Biomedicine, Speech-Language Pathology, Post-Baccalaureate programs in Health Science and Speech-Language Pathology and Orthotics and Prosthetics. All programs add to an interprofessional, collaborative culture in the College, whose mission articulates a commitment “to offering programs grounded in evidence-based research and practice, and interprofessional education to prepare students to become competent professionals dedicated to promoting the health, well-being and education of the individuals and the communities they serve.”
Salus University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women/Minorities/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability or other legally protected status.