Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY: The social worker contracted or 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 of Employment Agreement.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Must have a Masters in social work

A minimum of two (2) years of documented supervised experience in health care, hospice experience preferred

Must understand hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.

TIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assess 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

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

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

Counsel patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties; provide crisis intervention when necessary

Assess for, and educate interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family, including communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos

Maintain clinical records on all patients referred to social work

Educate patients and families on, and assist in, preparation of advanced directives

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

Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies

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

Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care

Maintain and develop contacts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel

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

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

Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities

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

Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Must comply with company policies, procedures and processes in addition to Hospice and Homecare rules and regulations

Must comply with harassment and discrimination policies

Must foster good working relationships

The employee must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, holidays and weekends

Must have a safe and functional automobile, valid drivers license and full automobile coverage

Must be willing to submit to a criminal background check prior to hire and annually thereafter

Must possess and maintain current CPR Certification

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

May be required to stand and sit for long periods

Must be able to hear and see with or without aid

Must be able to read and follow instructions as required

Social workers must be able to handle the stress of working with families facing the loss of their loved one including, but not limited to, family conflicts, logistics, and emotional situations

Must be willing to participate in a drug/alcohol screen prior to hire, if involved in a work-related automobile accident and if reasonable suspicion is reported