MSW / Social Worker - Hospice

Job Description

Overview

The social worker employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

This position is part of our Lake City Field Team and supports patients in their homes!

Responsibilities

Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group

Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required

Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings

Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties

Provides crisis intervention when necessary

Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family

Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos

Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work

Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives

Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs

Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies

Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies

Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care

Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel

Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness

Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues

Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities

Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities

Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor

Qualifications

A graduate of a master’s program in social work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

OR

A graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3)

Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in health care, hospice experience preferred

Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying

Experience in a hospice care preferred

Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills

Current licensure according to Medicare guidelines to practice in state of operation

Full-time