The Social Worker ( BSW) assists patients/families in coping with the impact of illness and/or anticipated death and provides a variety of social work services under the direction of a physician. The Medical Social Worker performs psychosocial assessments, provides ongoing psychosocial counseling, direct case management services, and bereavement services. The Medical Social Worker also provides community education, participates in outreach activities, and serves as a patient/family advocate. The Medical Social Worker is an active member of the interdisciplinary team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s degree (MSW) preferred.

Experience: Previous related work experience in a hospice or other healthcare setting preferred.

Licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) required (a Bachelor’s prepared Social Worker (BSW) must be supervised by an MSW; LCSW preferred.

Additional Requirements: Valid Arkansas driver’s license, car, car insurance, and personal cell phone required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides palliative and supportive casework in order to resolve patient/family financial and emotional issues related to death and dying.
2. Participates in admission process.
3. Completes comprehensive initial psychosocial and bereavement assessments; assists in the development and revision of the interdisciplinary Plan of Care.
4. Conducts ongoing reassessments of patient/family; completes visits based on clinical assessment and plan of care.
5. Provides short-term crisis intervention and individual or family counseling as indicated.
6. Actively serves as patient/family advocate.
7. Assists the patient, family, and caregiver in coping with issues related to death and dying and utilizing community resources.
8. Maintains accurate and timely documentation in patient’s medical record.
9. Provides educational programs for the community and staff as requested.
10. Collaborates with physician and other team members to assist in their understanding of significant social, emotional, and environmental factors related to the patient/family status.
11. Facilitates effective communication among all caregivers.
12. Participates in the interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and other planning meetings.
13. Participates in QAPI program and other committees, task forces, and agency events as required.
14. Develops and maintains contact with appropriate community agencies and services in order to promote interagency cooperation and to facilitate related referrals.
15. MSWs may provide clinical supervision to BSWs as assigned.
16. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
17. Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
18. Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
19. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
20. Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
21. Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.
22. Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

1. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.

2. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

3. Skill in public speaking.

4. Ability to provide counseling to individuals and groups.

5. Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with co-workers and other customers.

7. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.

8. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

9. Ability to work as a team player.

10. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

11. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Performs the above listed functions while regularly working with confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, including but not limited to patient medical records, current or former employee information, Arkansas Hospice records, and other information that the employee regularly uses to perform job functions.