Social Services Designee

About:

Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice was founded by community volunteers in 1983 as a nonprofit organization, and we are honored to be a leading provider of Hospice and Palliative care in South Central and Southeast Kansas. Having served more than 40,000 patients and family members, we are experts in specialized care designed to provide support to you and your loved ones during an advanced illness. Our team of professionals, including a medical director, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, and volunteers, work in coordination with the patient’s physician to provide pain and symptom management, as well as social and spiritual support.

General Summary

Provide administrative support to the psychosocial team and interdisciplinary team. Primarily based at the IPU/ICT coverage area and focused on initial referral information visits, admission paperwork, discharge planning, arrange transportation, assistance with financial applications including Medicaid, FMLA paperwork processing, fulfill patient letter requests, provide information regarding residential contracts and collect payment. Also when assigned complete bereavement phone calls, facilitate bereavement community events, bereavement clerical duties and medication/supply deliveries. Maintain and coordinate systems, answer telephones, provide clerical and secretarial support to the Director of Inpatient Services and the interdisciplinary team. Records intake information.

Education

· Minimum SSD Certification preferred, or other related field with one (1) year’s experience in a healthcare environment that requires discharge planning

· High School Diploma or GED.

· Experience or education in grief/loss

· Basic computer skills including ability to utilize various Microsoft applications.

Experience

· Excellent written and verbal customer service and communication skills

· Excellent grammar, keyboarding, and spelling skills.

· 1-2 years previous work experience preferably in a healthcare environment.

Licenses and Certification

· Current appropriate licensure in the State of Kansas.

· Valid driver’s license.

· Proof of current auto insurance.

· Working personal telephone (land or cell).

· Reliable transportation.

· Current notary or willingness to apply to become a notary with employer assistance.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

1. Coordinates discharge planning for the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center (IPU).

· Facilitates discharge planning from all referral sources according to IDG plan of care: main office, home care staff, referral staff, nurse liaisons, etc.

· Provides communication regarding the potential discharge plan to co-workers.

· Communicates with patients/families regarding the discharge plan.

· Collaborates regarding DME needs for discharge with the Hospice Center staff.

2. Maintains patient record in a manner that ensures accuracy, timeliness, safety, and confidentiality.

· Fulfills patient letter requests in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

· Compiles and mails/faxes discharge packet to facilities.

· Assists with completion and submission of Medicaid and financial assistance applications as needed.

3. Back-up for answering the telephone and interacts with visitors in a professional manner.

· Greets all individuals with courtesy and consideration.

· Answers telephone promptly and courteously, while following HIPPA requirements.

· Records messages accurately and relays to the appropriate person timely.

4. Essential Functions

· Types correspondence, reports, and other materials in the proper format.

· Ensures a clean environment in staff area.

· Completes financial assessment for agency fee reduction, when necessary.

· Discusses residential contracts and collects payment.

· Cross training in support services coordinator position and grief and loss support services.

· Collaborates effectively with patients, caregivers, and the health care team to meet identified goals consistent with hospice practice standards.

· Coordinates and facilitates family meetings with team members regarding the discharge plan.

· Consults with licensed nurse or social worker when presenting concerns are beyond one’s expertise or licensure.

· Documents all coordination accurately and in a timely manner.

· Demonstrates effective communication with patients, caregivers, and team members.

· Assists with grief/loss services and other community events as assigned.

· Recognizes ethical considerations in end-of-life care and obtains consultation to formulate ethical follow up.

· Participates in providing duties after hours, weekends, and holidays, as directed by the needs of the agency.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires shift flexibility. The standard hours are M-F (8-5), but requires flexibility for nights and weekends to satisfy business needs. Does this align with your availability?
• Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please specify your expected hourly rate.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Social Services Designee certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person