Hospice Social Worker

We are hiring a per diem Social Worker to join our dynamic care team at Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts in Berkshire County!

This is an on-the-road position that requires the candidate to travel and have a reliable and insured vehicle. Weekly pay ranging from $29 to $30 an hour. LICSW or LCSW required.

Here at Athena Health Care Systems, our employees are the heart of our organization, and we take immense pride in their dedication. We are not only committed to delivering high-quality care and customer service to our patients and their families, but we also aspire to be the employer of choice. We strive to create a workplace where your skills and talents are nurtured to allow you to grow within the company.

As a Social Worker, your role is to plan, organize, develop, and direct all required social services to meet the needs of residents to ensure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met and maintained.

Experience & Education:

• Experience in health care and hospice preferred.
• Master's in social work required.
• Massachusetts LICSW or LCSW required.
• An understanding of hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying preferred.
  
  
  

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the interdisciplinary team.
• Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect, or abus,e and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patients and family/caregivers as needed in relation to stress and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for and educates the team on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.
• Provides information and referral services for patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assists the physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Assists the family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities, as requested.
  
  
  

Specific Requirements:

• Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and general public.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as being willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level in which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing Social Service practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition/incident to the Interdisciplinary Team as appropriate.
  
  
  

About Athena Health Care Systems:

Since its establishment in 1984, Athena Health Care Systems has pioneered the delivery of exceptional healthcare services. Operating nursing homes and hospice agencies across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, Athena stands out as a healthcare leader in Southern New England.

Athena’s Benefits:

• Competitive and Weekly Pay
• Holiday Pay for Hourly and Salaried Employees
• Overtime Pay for Hourly Employees
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Exclusive Employer Discount Program
  
  
  

Available for Eligible Team Members:

• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Vacation and Personal Time
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. Athena Health Care Systems and its managed facilities/agencies follow federal and state guidelines regarding staff vaccinations. Our policy requires all staff to be up to date with COVID and flu vaccinations, or acknowledge a declination of the vaccination(s).