Family Support Specialist

FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST                                                                                  EXPOSURE CATEGORY II

BASIC PURPOSE & SCOPE:

Under the supervision of the Clinical Support Services Manager or Licensed Social Worker, is responsible for, but not limited to, providing direct and supportive social services to the patient and family, as well as providing consultation to other hospice & home care program staff in accordance with established policy and procedure.

RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Establishes plans of care/objectives for patients/families/clients and in consultation with licensed social worker supervisor.
2. Provides counseling and/or case management services to patients/families/ clients, in accordance with the plan of care and objectives, including social, financial, emotional, and crisis intervention needs as may be necessary or appropriate.     
3. Assists interdisciplinary team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors for the patient and family during illness, death and bereavement.       

1. Participates in the discussion of the patients’/families’/clients’ plans of care/objectives and revisions to the plans of care/objectives at interdisciplinary/interagency meetings.    
2. Participates in the orientation, training and coordination of volunteers/aides, including bereavement volunteers.  
3. Serves as liaison with social and community agencies and coordinates the delivery of social work to maximize effectiveness as well as eliminate duplication with contracting and cooperating services.

       7.   Leads support groups and/or provides emotional support and counseling to hospice team members as needed.      

1. Prepares required reports and documentation on a timely basis and to enable supervisory review.

      9.   Adheres to and reflects organizational values in daily work.

     10.   Serves on agency committees as may be assigned. 

1.   Maintains an obligation to report wrongdoing/violation of agency policies, applicable federal, state and local laws, and regulations, pertaining to agency operations, to immediate supervisor or identified compliance officer.

1.   Completes all mandatory inservice education programs and completes any other additional inservice hours that are minimally required for the position.

 The above examples of work may not be a complete statement of all assignments that may be inherent to the position.  Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Administrator/CEO.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. A Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work obtained by successful completion of a prescribed course of study accredited by the Council of Social Work Education and one year of full time, paid experience in social work; or a Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field of study and two years of full time, paid experience in social work.

1. Experience with terminally ill patients and families preferred.
2. Demonstrated organizational and supervisory skills.
3. Effective oral and written communication abilities.
4. Acceptable driver's license and automobile available with current insurance.
5. Computer literacy.
6. Availability by phone.
7. Other requirements (physical) – see attached.