Master's degree in social work required, palliative or Hospice experience preferred, minimum of 2 years experience.

MD driver's license required.

Job Summary

Works collaboratively with disciplinary team members to meet the psychosocial need of patients and families. Provides end of life counseling, education and community resource awareness.

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Example of Essential Functions:

• Assesses psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement needs of patients and Families
• Intervenes based on identified psychosocial needs of the patient/family.
• Documents social work services including assessment, plan of care, interventions and evaluations of effectiveness of interventions, coordination of care/services with other staff or outside resources.
• Facilitates patient/family communication meetings as necessary.
• Participates in discharge planning when needed.
• Assists with facilitating support groups as appropriate.
• Provides adjustment to terminal illness counseling for patient and family.
• Assists in developing and implementing the plan of care.
• Assists physicians and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and end-of-life issues.
• Contributes and participates in Quality Management activities.
• Participates in community speaking engagements.
• Participates in agency and community programs to promote understanding of hospice services.
• Stays informed of department/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings 100% of time.
• Advances professional knowledge and skills.
• Reviews relevant policies and procedures annually and update as necessary.
• Interacts in a calm, courteous and professional manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge and commitment to Hospice philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively represent Hospice in the community.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary team relationship.
• Demonstrates a high level of professional judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrates knowledge of office equipment including but not limited to: telephone, pager, photocopier, facsimile equipment, computer and printer.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Currently holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (LMSW) and is licensed as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker by the State Board of Social Work Examiners.
• Five years social work experience in a health care setting, hospice experience preferred.
• Valid Maryland driver’s license.

Patient Contact

Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups:

_X_ Neonate (0 thru 30 days)

_X_ Infant (31 thru 12 months)

_X_ Child (13 months thru 12 years)

_X_ Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)

_X_ Adult (18 years thru 65 years)

_X_ Geriatric (66 years)

Physical Demands:

Sedentary - Light Work - Lifting up to 15 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes). While work is mostly done sitting, a certain amount of walking or standing is often necessary.

Ergonomic Risk Factors:

Repetition: Repeating the same motion over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Awkward Posture: Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Working Conditions:

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Risk: Category B – MAY have exposure to blood or body fluids.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to Clinical Supervisor

Licenses & Certifications

• LMSW Master Social Worker