A Social Worker provides individuals, families and groups with the psycho-social support needed to cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making referrals for other services.

**MUST HAVE ACTIVE STATE LICENSE**

Provide Support to Patients

The main role of a Social Worker is to help patients understand, cope with and treat their condition. Social Workers will counsel patients about their illness or disease, participate in treatment plan development, arrange for in-home care personnel and equipment and assist in the scheduling of follow-up visits. They will also ensure that patients are adhering to treatment plans and medical recommendations.

Educate and Counsel Families

It is just as important to provide support to families of patients, and Social Workers are involved in helping families understand the diagnosed illness or condition and offer counseling to reduce stress and cope with the needs of the patient. Social Workers will assist in all decision-making processes relating to the care of the patient and make referrals as needed. They also offer grief counseling services to families.

Assist in Obtaining Various Healthcare Services

A Social Worker helps patients work with health insurance companies, community health agencies, transportation services and financial assistance programs. They will help to determine what benefits patients are eligible for and assist in filling out necessary paperwork, such as health insurance forms.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Candidate must have strong oral and written communication; organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Candidate must be detail and goal-oriented individuals and possess the ability to work independently and also collaborate with various healthcare representatives and agencies.
• Candidate must communicate well with doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel and agencies.
• Candidate must understand various medical conditions and terminology.
• Candidate must be able to evaluate the mental, emotional and physical status of patients.
• Candidate must be skilled in providing bereavement counseling services to families.
• Candidate must understand federal, state and local healthcare standards and regulations.
• Candidate must possess current state licensure.
• Candidate must understand basic technology including the use of tablets and computer applications.