Huntington’s Disease Social Worker in North Dakota

 

Position Title: Huntington’s Disease Society of America Social Worker

 

Organization: Huntington’s Disease Society of America

 

Job Type: 20hrs/month

 

Locations:  Grand Forks, ND and Fargo, ND

 

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is a National, voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Huntington's disease and their families. Our mission is to promote and support research and medical efforts to eradicate Huntington's disease; to assist people and families affected by Huntington's disease to cope with the problems presented by the disease, and to educate the public and health professionals about Huntington's disease.

 

The function of an HDSA Social Worker is to assist individuals and families who are affected by Huntington’s disease as well as health care professionals who treat HD patients in the Grand Forks and Fargo, ND areas by providing an optimum level of support through information and referrals to appropriate resources.

 

The desirable candidate should be self-motivated with strong public speaking and excellent organizational skills. Computer proficiency with an emphasis on word processing and database management is required as well as a willingness to develop an understanding of HD and knowledge of local resources.

 

The desired candidate will hold a BSW from an accredited institution with a minimum of 3 years experience or an MSW from an accredited institution with experience preferred. A psychologist or other mental health professional may also be substituted for a BSW/MSW if necessary. Experience working with populations affected by a neurological or genetic disease is preferred.

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • The social worker will retrieve and answer all helpline calls, emails and letters.
  • A part-time chapter Social Worker should facilitate a minimum of 1 monthly support group. The social worker also oversees and mentors support groups led by a peer or professional.
    • This position would oversee a support group in Grand Forks, ND and one in Fargo, ND.
    • The social worker will serve as a liaison between HDSA (which includes: the HDSA Regional Representative, the HDSA National office, the local HDSA Chapter, the local HDSA Affiliate, and the local Center of Excellence) and the area support group leaders, providing relevant and timely information via email or phone communications, newsletters or by giving presentations at group meetings.
    • The social worker will actively seek opportunities to provide in-services and HD educational materials to medical, long-term care and law enforcement facilities as well as other appropriate entities in the area.
    • The social worker must work to acquire and regularly update his/her knowledge of HD by reading professional literature, reviewing regional and national HDSA communications, and attending appropriate meetings and/or seminars.
    • All HDSA social workers are required to maintain professional continuing education credits required for social worker licensure.
    • The social worker will develop and maintain a file of community-based and state medical and professional resources available to people with HD and/or their families.

 

 

For consideration please send resume to: Michele at masmussen@hdsa.org