JOB SUMMARY:

To deliver varied social work services to Hospice patients and their families. To provide initial emotional, spiritual, psychosocial assessments, ongoing counseling, bereavement services and community education, outreach and referral. The Hospice social worker is an integral part of the Hospice IDG.

QUALIFICATIONS: Educational/Degree and Training/Licensure: 

A Hospice Social Worker must at least meet one of the following options:

1. Have an MSW degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and one year of experience in a health care setting.

2. Have a baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) from a school of social work accredited by the CSWE, and one year of experience in a health care setting and be supervised by a MSW from a school of social work accredited by the CSWE and who has one year of experience in a health care setting. If the BSW is employed by the Hospice before December 2, 2008, he/she is exempted from the MSW supervision requirement.

3. Have a baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology or other field related to social work, and at least one year of social work experience in a health care setting and be supervised by a MSW from a school of social work accredited by the CSWE and who has one year of experience in a health care setting.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability: Ability to work independently, make accurate, and at times, quick judgments. Ability to respond appropriately to crisis outside of a hospital setting. Acceptance of and adaptability to different social, racial, cultural and religious modes.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience as a social worker, preferred. Active patient contact within past three years, preferred.

JOB FACTORS:

Physical Requirements: Requires minimal physical effort most of the day including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and minimal assist in lifting and/or transferring of a 20 pound patient. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use appropriate adaptive devices that will enable senses to function at a level required to meet the essential duties of the position. Must provide evidence of annual TB test and other state-required tests or examinations.

Mental Requirements: Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available and act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

Working Conditions: Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.

Transportation: Must have a current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.