Medical Social Worker MSW

Description

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Evaluate the  physical, financial, psychological, spiritual, and pre-bereavement needs  of the patient/family in  coordination with interdisciplinary team 

· Assist in assessing patient appropriateness for services  

· If patient not appropriate, recommend other services available and refer to community agencies, as  appropriate 

· Educate the patient and family about Hospice services  

· Assess the financial resources of the patient and family and instruct them on coverage for Hospice services,  

i.e., Hospice Medicare/Medicaid benefit, Medicare, private insurance, as appropriate 

· Discuss Hospice policy on “Fee for Service” when appropriate 

· Assess for enhanced services 

·  Discuss Hospice volunteer, chaplain services, Veterans Honoring  Veterans, and, if desired, refer to volunteer  coordinator and/or  chaplain 

· Develop plan of care with goals defined by the patient/family and Hospice interdisciplinary team 

· Provide social work services according to patient plan of care 

· Communicate patient changes or family needs to volunteer, chaplain, massage therapist and minister, if  applicable  

· Assist patient/family with applications, forms, etc. for implementation of appropriate services  

·  Assist the physician and the interdisciplinary team (including the  minister) in understanding the significant  social and emotional factors  related to the patient’s health problems 

· Support individual coping mechanisms and facilitate constructive expression of feelings and concerns  

·  Evaluate the effectiveness of social work interventions on a regular  basis and when changes occur in the  patient/family situation 

· Review and update the plan of care as changes occur in the patient’s condition and as required by regulations 

· Communicate with team members on an ongoing basis, apprising the primary team of any changes  

· Communicate with other social workers who might provide care in the primary social worker’s absence  

· Rotate on-call responsibilities, as needed 

· Conduct timely utilization reviews 

· Provide support at time of death, when appropriate  

· Attend funeral or receiving to provide support to family 

· Participate in volunteer/staff training, as requested 

· Serve palliative care patients, as assigned 

· Participate with bereavement coordinator and chaplains in planning and facilitating grief support groups 

· Deliver grief/loss presentations in the community, as needed 

· Provide grief counseling services to community individuals, as needed 

· Other duties as assigned 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  

·  Ability and willingness to work with patients/families regardless of  race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation.  Must respect their  beliefs and philosophy with an attitude of openness and receptiveness. 

· Knowledge of health care systems and policies relevant to hospice population 

· Knowledge and ability of working with end-of-life issues 

·  Knowledge and ability to apply therapeutic perspectives (i.e.,  conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients,  caregivers, and families; motivational interviewing; life review;  strengths-based perspective; meaning centered therapy; Cognitive  behavioral therapy; narrative therapy; therapeutic arts and music  techniques) 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  

§ Master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education preferred 

Experience:  

§ Two years of clinical experience preferred 

§ One year of social work experience in health care setting preferred 

Licensures & Certifications: (if applicable):  

§ Not applicable 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

§ Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks 

§ Speech and hearing skills necessary for telephone interaction and face to face contact 

§ Ability to sit extended periods of time and perform administrative tasks 

§ Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds 

§ Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and keyboard for extended periods of time 

§ Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

§ Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver’s license