Huntington’s Disease Society of America
Ohio Valley Chapter Social Worker

Job Description

This part time social worker will assist local individuals with Huntington’s Disease (HD), providing families and community professionals with information, resources and assistance. The social worker hired by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Ohio Valley Chapter [OVC] works for HDSA, the national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by HD. HDSA social workers offer support to people living with HD, provide referrals to local resources and services, help to raise community awareness about HD, promote advocacy and encourage research participation. The HDSA OVC Social Worker receives direction from the OVC leadership team.

• Rate offered is: $43 per hour
• Hours offered are: up to 60 hours per month
• Position is a blend of remote [phone, virtual] and in-person activities [support groups, in-services, educational events, staff meetings, fund raisers if needed]. The remote/in person ratio will be determined in conversation with HDSA OVC.

The position goal is to assist families and other professionals to find and provide appropriate referrals to services for people living with HD. Case management is not a primary function of the HSDA OVC Social Worker, but may be necessary in some situations. The social worker should be familiar with crisis services available in the community for callers needing crisis mental health or medical services. You will be part of a national team of HD focused Social Workers, with your work assignment defined as the OVC area [geography defined below]. The OVC Social Worker is an important team member, who will receive direction and training from OVC leadership, be an active participant in OVC programs, and provide input OVC leadership.

The HDSA-OVC Social Worker key responsibilities include:

• Manage a part-time helpline (both phone and email) for residents of the HDSA OVC area impacted by HD. The OVC region is loosely defined as Greater Cincinnati, Greater Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana.
• Be an active team participant in the OVC digital communications project [to improve the connectivity among the HD families in the OVC area]. This will be a major tool for the OVC Social Worker to leverage.
• Run a monthly live [with virtual option for HD families] support group for individuals in the OVC area impacted by Huntington's Disease (additional details to be discussed with HDSA and OVC leadership).
• Monitor monthly peer led support groups in the OVC area and provide guidance to group leaders, if applicable.
• Assist in maintaining/updating the database of HD families in the OVC area to facilitate our OVC communications programming.
• Partner with the teams at HDSA Cincinnati Center of Excellence [COE] to assist in case coordination and care, if applicable. The COE is part of the UC College of Medicine Neuroscience Center.
• Partner with HDSA-OVC leadership to plan, execute and promote HDSA Community Education programming.
• Create and maintain a resource guide to answer questions and provide referrals on relevant issues important to the community in the OVC area.
• Interact with local professionals [home health agencies, long-term care facilities, local MDs and clinics, law enforcement] in the OVC area to educate and inform so that new avenues for services are made available to local HD families.
• Interact as necessary with HDSA National Office staff, including the Associate Director, Community Services.

:

MSW from accredited institution required, plus valid social work licensure in OVC defined area (LCSW preferred). Experience with neurologic disease, hospice and/or long-term care facilities is highly preferred. Ability to work independently and be a self-starter are key qualities to a successful candidate.

:

All HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers are required to utilize software (Apricot) made available by HDSA to track services provided, time spent and resources identified. The software is HIPAA compliant and identifying information about individuals and families served will not and cannot be reported by the national office. HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers will be issued a phone number with voicemail and texting capabilities through Zoom to act as their work phone. HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers are expected to utilize this service on their own devices through their mobile phone carrier provider.

:

HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers will work on the following core competencies to improve their knowledge of HD to assist in their practice in their first 6 months of hire. The Associate Director, Community Services will provide support, education, and guidance to new social workers in this process.

:

• Being able to discuss key aspects of the disease, "What is HD?"
• Explaining the importance of multidisciplinary evaluations and care when living with HD (including the role of professionals: neurologist, movement disorder neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, and ancillary services)
• Understanding and being conversant about medications for psychiatric and movement symptoms
• Discussing genetic testing for HD
• Discussing advanced medical directives
• Providing education on conservatorship/guardianship, power of attorney
• Understanding state, federal and private insurances
• Staying current on HD research and opportunities to participate
• Understanding family dynamics that care unique to living with an inherited disease
• Discussing and providing guidance on long term care needs and placement resources

HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers are connected to a nationwide network of other HDSA Social Workers who work with people living with HD and who provide peer support and consults. HDSA Chapter/Regional Social Workers are required (and supported by HDSA Chapter/Region budgeted funds) to attend the annual Professional Training day held at the HDSA Annual Convention each June. This Professional Training day offers continuing education units and the opportunity to network with other HDSA Social Workers, as well as attend the many sessions at Convention.

Additional details are available upon request and questions are welcome.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $43.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 15 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cincinnati, OH 45249