Purpose of Job 

This position is responsible for serving as a member of an interdisciplinary hospice team providing social work services to patients and their families. Interventions with patients include biopsychosocial assessments, group work, care conference facilitation, crisis/brief work counseling and providing communication and coordination with community based resources for patients and families.

Job Functions 

1. Provides biopsychosocial assessments of patient/family situations including physical, psychological, emotional, financial, functions and other related factors. Assessments are completed in community based settings including patient homes, assisted livings and nursing homes in the Ridgeview seven county service area.
2. Documents assessment and interventions in the patient's medical record to ensure continuity of care. Develops written care plans and evaluates outcomes for home health and hospice patients.
3. Assists the hospice care team in understanding the significance of cultural diversity, economic, emotional and family factors in relation to the patient's illness, treatment, recovery or dying process.
4. Performs supportive counseling to assist patients/families in adjusting to end of life concerns, disabilities, chronic illness, loss and bereavement.
5. Assists patient/family in utilizing relevant community resources based on identified needs. Serves as a patient and family advocate within the interdisciplinary health care team.
6. Maintains service excellence by building customer relations with patients, clients, visitors, physicians, co-workers and community referral sources through positive relationship and consultation.
7. Responsible for personal and professional development to ensure current knowledge and performance in the profession/position.
8. Manages and performs assigned duties and departmental responsibilities in an efficient, effective and professional manner.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education/Work Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in social work

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Clinical, organizational, assessment and communication skills
• Ability to meet and maintain the necessary background checks as aligned with position functions
• Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care (based on physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs) appropriate to the age of the patient(s) services in the assigned service area
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to provide effective individual, departmental, organizational, verbal and written communications

License/Certifications 

• Licensed by the Minnesota Board of Social Work as an LSW, LGSW, LISW or LICSW
• Valid MN driver's license, car insurance, and meets Ridgeview's insurability requirements
• Must be at least 21-years old in order to meet Ridgeview's insurability requirements

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree in social work
• Practical experience in a health care setting